Freedom of Information

[caddyman]

Now, if I just wrote this down and said it was true, you wouldn't believe me; you'd say I was joshing with you. Well, I'm not.

Below is an extract from Hansard, quoting an exchange on the Freedom of Information Act that took place on 10 February 2005, between members of the Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.

This is what a member of the Great British Public^tm wanted to know with his newly granted rights under the Freedom of Information Act.


From Hansard:

[Mr. Peter Pike in the Chair]
Freedom of Information and Data Protection (Appropriate Limit and Fees)
Regulations 2004


"Mr. Carmichael: ...One [FOI] application came from "I like men in uniform@hotmail.com". The question was: "How many eligible bachelors are there in Hampshire Constabulary between the ages of 35 and 49? What are their email addresses; salary details and pension values?"

That information should have been readily available and I believe that the request was met.

Another example came from somebody seeking to establish the number of statistics of reported sex with sheep and any other animal in Wales for 2003 and, if possible, since records began. I do not know if that request was met, or how that information could be provided within the limits that are outlined in the order, but it is an interesting example of the applications that are made.

Mr. Ian Davidson (Glasgow, Pollok) (Lab/Co-op): Surely the hon. Gentleman has better things to do than send out these e-mails.

Mr. Carmichael: The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right. I have many better things to do-and indeed I did not do so. I am grateful to him for giving me the opportunity to clarify that."

Link to Hansard.

Comments

[november-girl.livejournal.com]

I'm horrified that such things as salaries and pension values are a matter of public record.

[oldnick.livejournal.com]

I am pretty sure that if we were requested to disclose that information here, it would be delivered in such a way that it couldn't be linked 1-for-1 againt e-mail addresses or ages, or anything that could identify the individuals concerned, citing data protection requirements.

Sods law however says that it would be done so cack-handedly that some information would be left inall owing the link to be made by anyone with a brain.

[ephraim.livejournal.com]

Even more so, when you consider that this damned act applies to me!

[caddyman.livejournal.com]

Salary and pension levels by grade would be available, as would general information showing how length of service affects entitlement; but I expect Nick is right, and details of individuals' entitlements, and their contact details etc would be protected.

I just thought the exchange was funny.

[november-girl.livejournal.com]

Yes - I laughed lots!

[sea-strands.livejournal.com]

Ah this makes me so proud to be British.