ABSTRACT
This chapter explores a strong emphasis on the choices that were made as to the release of information relating to public authorities not only to central government in the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The important value associated with freedom of information is the need for the citizen to understand as fully as possible the working of government, in order to render it accountable. Where information held by central government or by other public authorities is not covered by the 1989 Act, the citizen may be able to obtain access to it under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. A right to appeal to the Information Tribunal is granted by the Act to complainants and much depends upon the interpretations of the statute by the Commissioner and the courts. It may be concluded that claims under the Convention have led to some breaking down of the tradition of secrecy in government.
