There is a danger that a bill conceived with the intention of increasing freedom of informration might actually lessen that flow. This is an entirely different creature from the one which I thought was promised. One exemption, in particular, is of great concern to our organisation, which has been long involved in the campaign over genetically modified food. GM foods, BSE, and Gulf war syndrome are all issues on which the public should have the right to know - yet a rather nasty whiff surrounds all these issues because people are suspicious that information has been withheld. The tests for withholding information are too weak, the number, breadth and duplication of exemptions excessive, and the discretion granted to public authorities to withhold information far too wide.
Freedom of information is an essential aspect of life in a mature democracy.
Information should only be withheld if it has been proven that disclosure would be harmful. A recent death in a secure mental health clinic has shown how hard it is to get information. Secrecy is a cancer in this country. This draft bill suggests a fear and suspicion of openness that is very disappointing. I am frankly disgusted at this freeedom of information bill.