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Statistics on Code on Access to Information

     The Government received 456 requests for information under the Code on Access to Information in the third quarter of 2008, a spokesman of the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau said today (December 31). 

     The total number of requests received since the introduction of the Code in March, 1995, is 25,524.  Of these, 22,825 requests (89%) were met, either in full (22,312 requests) or in part (513 requests).  531 requests (2%) were refused, while 1,235 requests (5%) were subsequently withdrawn.  The bureaus/departments concerned did not hold the requested information in respect of 896 requests (4%).

     As at September 30, 37 requests were still being processed by bureaus and departments.

     Any member of the public who is dissatisfied with the response of a bureau/department under the code may request the matter be reviewed.  He/she may also lodge a complaint with the Ombudsman. 

     In the third quarter of 2008, the Ombudsman received six complaints relating to the code.

     The Ombudsman completed investigation in respect of six complaint cases (including cases carried over from previous quarters) in this quarter.  Out of the six completed cases, three were substantiated, one partially substantiated and two settled by offering assistance and clarification to the complainants.  In addition, the Ombudsman decided not to pursue two other cases having considered the circumstances of the cases.  As at September 30, the Ombudsman was still investigating seven complaint cases.

     "The statistics show that Government bureaus and departments have been complying with the code to the general satisfaction of members of the public," the spokesman said.

Ends/Wednesday, December 31, 2008