Statistics on the Code on Access to Information |
The Government received a total of 476 requests for information under the Code on Access to Information in the first quarter of 2008, a spokesman for the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau said today (July 7). The total number of requests received since the introduction of the code in March 1995 amounted to 24,642. Of these, 22,041 requests (89%) were met, either in full (21,549 requests) or in part (492 requests). A total of 486 requests (2%) were refused, while 1,159 requests (5%) were subsequently withdrawn. The bureaux/departments concerned did not hold the requested information in respect of 851 requests (3%). As at March 31, 2008, 61 requests were still being processed by bureaux and departments. Any member of the public who is dissatisfied with the response of a bureau/department under the code may request that the matter be reviewed. He/she may also lodge a complaint with the Ombudsman. In the first quarter of 2008, the Ombudsman received six complaints relating to the code which were being investigated by the Ombudsman. "The statistics show that Government bureaux and departments have been complying with the code to the general satisfaction of members of the public," said the spokesman. Ends/Monday, July 7, 2008 |