18.09.13
Government considering making Network Rail subject to FoI laws
Network Rail could be made subject to Freedom of Information laws if proposals by the Lib Dem justice minister are enacted – but the company says its new transparency arrangements mean it would ‘not fear’ such a move.
Lord McNally said extending the FoI laws to cover more bodies would increase transparency and drive up standards. The official position is that Network Rail is not part of the public sector, although the National Audit Office and the Statistics Commission treat it as a state-owned company.
Lib Dem sources told the Telegraph that the new policy would mean Network Rail having to disclose more about its risk management processes and its safety record, though information on personal data protection and commercial interests could be exempt.
Lord McNally, who leads on FoI policy at the Ministry of Justice, speaking at the Lib Dem conference in Glasgow, said: “We are extending the Freedom of Information Act and our next stop is National Rail [sic].”
A Network Rail spokesman was quoted in the Telegraph as saying: “Although Network Rail isn’t currently subject to FOI, the company has, over the past 12 to 18 months…become ever-more transparent, creating a new transparency section on its website with thousands of pieces of information added to and updated every few months. FoI holds no fears for the company.”
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