Submission to call for evidence for Freedom of Information (Scotland) Bill

We welcome the Freedom of Information Bill and  see its introduction as a clear commitment to the creation of the ‘culture of openness’ which Jim Wallace called for in ‘An Open Scotland’.  Access to accurate information is crucial to the proper functioning of a democracy, and Friends of the Earth has always championed the rights of communities and individuals to have access to information on their environment and on proposals and plans which affect them.  We now urge the Justice 1 Committee to tackle the remaining major weaknesses within the legislation and introduce a strong, practical and effective Freedom of Information Act.

Submission to call for evidence for Freedom of Information (Scotland) Bill