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Scottish Information Commissioner asks: "Is Knowledge Power?"
23 August, 2006
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 Kevin Dunion |
Scottish Information Commissioner Kevin Dunion gave a lively account of the Freedom of Information Act on the opening day of the Festival of Politics.
The event, entitled "Is Knowledge Power?", gave a comprehensive account of his involvement with Freedom of Information (FOI) proceedings.
His talk began by taking the public through what he described as 'the bad days', before the introduction of the Freedom of Information Act. He then moved to 'the good days' since the Act came into force, and gave a number of case examples, explaining his rationale and contribution to each of the decisions. The event finished with a question and answer session.
The Commissioner said he was satisfied with the way Scottish public authorities had adapted to FO.
He said: "There is now a culture and mindset - a culture which embraces change, and also does not deliberately withhold. They are pretty well accomplished."
In his speech he revealed that of all requests to Scottish public authorities, 65% have been successfully issued. Of the 10% wholly refused, only 1% were reported to his office.
The Commissioner also outlined three improvements which all Scottish public authorities could make. The first was to issue proactive releases, and publish information before they actually need to. The second was putting the information into more accessible terms, so that everyone could understand it. The third improvement was encouraging bodies to send out full disclosure.
 The audience in Committee Room 4 at Holyrood |
During his presentation, the Commissioner praised the Parliament for their efforts with FOI: "They have the most comprehensive and transparent expenses system of any parliament in the world - you can even look at the original receipts online if you want to."
It was a full house on the first day of the Festival of Politics, with more than 2,300 people visiting Holyrood.
The Festival of Politics runs until Saturday, and Thursday's headline acts include Sir Menzies Campbell and Tam Dalyell.
Tickets to the Festival can be obtained:
- Online from: www.festivalofpolitics.org.uk. Online booking is available 24 hours up to 4pm on the day before the event.
- By telephone: 0131 473 2000 (calls via RNID Typetalk: 018001 0131 473 2000). Fax: 0131 473 2003.
- In person at the Scottish Parliament or at the Hub.
Visitors to the Festival will be able to use the free crèche. The crèche opened in 2004 for members of the public visiting Parliament and provides up to four hours free child care for 0-5 year olds. For information call: 0131 348 6192.
To ensure Festival of Politics events are as accessible as possible, please specify requirements when booking tickets. While British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation is provided automatically at some events, it can be requested for any of the others. Assistance dogs are welcome and all venues are accessible for wheelchair users.
For further information contact: [email protected]
Telephone: 0131 348 6852.
For public information/general enquiries:
Telephone 0131 348 500 or 0845 278 1999 (local call rate)
E-mail: [email protected]
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The Festival of Politics is an initiative of the Scottish Parliament.
The Festival of Politics 2006 Partners are:
Standard Life; BAA Scotland; and ScottishPower.
