Freedom of Information

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 21st Apr 2008

Glasgow Liberal Democrat MSP Robert Brown is to introduce a member's bill to extend the people's right to know about many more public services which until now had been exempt from the 2002 Freedom of Information Scotland Act.

Private or voluntary sector organisations providing public services such as Kilmarnock Prison, Council Leisure Trusts and Glasgow Housing Association are all currently exempt from Freedom of Information legislation, although all are public services.

Mr. Brown believes people should be able to scrutinise information about these public organisations.

Mr. Brown is also calling for a change in the law so that people will be able to find details of Private Finance Initiative (PFI) projects in their areas. Currently, PFI is exempt due to commercial confidentiality.

Mr. Brown will now hold a pre-legislative consultation on the matter.