More moves on secret files

Published on Saturday 4 July 2009 00:55

MOVES to open up secret Scottish Government files sooner could be extended to other bodies, it has emerged.

Parliamentary business minister Bruce Crawford said that recent plans to make public government files from 1979-94 – 15 years earlier than the usual 30 years – may be extended to councils, the police and other bodies covered by the Freedom of Information Act.

"I believe there is a case for extending that approach to all public authorities who are subject to the legislation," he said.

"However, I am clear that it is important to seek views on the extent of any changes."