Only in April this year did he issue his report, strongly criticising the Welsh office for failing to keep control of the notes but infuriating Mr Powell by refusing to address the issue of who had possession of the notes. In 1997, Mr Powell took his case against the GPs all the way to the appeal court in an attempt to sue for negligence and post traumatic shock. Afterwards, the General Medical Council, in new guidance, said doctors who blundered should say they were sorry and explain what happened. It has been intensely difficult for Mr Powell to get the material he needs. The draft freedom of information bill would not make it any easier, he says.
Freedom of information is a joke.
There is no accountability within the NHS and the government. There would be no right relating to the Welsh office appeal. You have to go down on your knees and beg for access to information. Mr Powell, a motor mechanic, has not worked since his son died. He was a beautiful child.