XN000022-1995-04-14+15 — Page 2

Public access to information scheme well received

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Since the Code on Access to Information was introduced on March 1, 97 formal requests for information were received by the first nine Government departments and branches to which it applies.

These initial nine departments and branches 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.

Of the 97 requests for information received up to 11 April, 60 were met, one was refused and one was withdrawn. Another 16 requests were still being processed, nine were referred to other departments for follow-up action and 10 oral requests were required to be confirmed in writing.

The Social Welfare Department received the largest number of requests for information (24), followed by the Home Affairs Department (16) and the Highways Department (14).

The contents of the requests were wide-ranging. They included requests for copies of performance pledges and organisation charts of departments, Legislative Council and District Board membership lists, slope stability reports, standards and guidelines on street lighting, traffic accident compensation, lists of subvented organisations, social welfare payment eligibility criteria, and information on old age allowances and centres for the elderly.

A spokesman for the Government Efficiency Unit which developed the Code and is responsible for its implementation, said he was pleased that the scheme had been so well received by members of the public.