The National Assembly for Wales has gone further than the 2000 Act by making
clear that notwithstanding the requirements of the Freedom of Information
Act 2000, the Assembly is committed to:
Maximising openness in its business;
Presenting National Assembly business in clear language, in line with
its bilingual policy and taking account of different needs;
Using the Internet as a means of publishing National Assembly information;
Maintaining a register of documents published by the National Assembly;
Respecting personal privacy, commercial confidentiality, the duty
of confidence and all laws governing the release of information;
Providing a prompt and comprehensive response to requests for information.
Providing a right of complaint where a member of the public is not satisfied
with the response received; and
Providing information free of charge where possible.
In Scotland, freedom of information is governed by separate legislation,
the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. Section 3(2)(a)(ii) of that
Act makes it clear that information received from a UK Government Minister
or Department is not within the scope of that Act. For information that
is within the scope of the legislation, a request may only be refused where
there is 'substantial prejudice' in terms of the exemptions in the Act.
The test in section 28 of the UK FOI Act is based on 'prejudice' only.
