XN000022-1995-02-16 — Page 2

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Pilot scheme for Code on Access to Information

The Government announced today (Thursday) the introduction of an administrative Code on Access to Information, initially in nine departments and policy branches on a pilot scheme basis, for six months, starting from March 1 this year.

The departments and branches selected for the pilot scheme are the Architectural Services Department, Customs and Excise Department, Government Supplies Department, Highways Department, Home Affairs Department, Social Welfare Department, Home Affairs Branch, Recreation and Culture Branch, and Works Branch.

The Code will subsequently be extended throughout the Government, by the end of 1996 at the latest, subject to whatever modifications may be necessary on the basis of experience gained in the pilot scheme.

Announcing details at a press conference today, the head of the Efficiency Unit project team which developed the Code, Mr David Weeks, said the scheme represented a step forward in the Government's commitment to greater openness and transparency.

"The Code, supplemented by comprehensive guidelines on its interpretation and application, was developed by a special project team in the Efficiency Unit, assisted by a consultant with wide experience of access to information systems elsewhere in the world," Mr Weeks said.

"In developing the Code we have drawn on legislative regimes overseas and also on the UK Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

"During various stages of development, all Government departments and branches were consulted. Also, valuable advice was received from the LegCo Panel on Information Policy, the Hong Kong Bar Association, the Hong Kong Journalists Association and the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce."