To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what advice or guidance has been given to public authorities on signing contracts with external non-public bodies which have provisions which (a) facilitate and (b) limit disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. (184048)

The Secretary of State issues the Code of Practice on the Discharge of Public Authorities’ Functions under Part I of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. It was laid before Parliament in November 2004. Part V sets out guidance on freedom of information and confidentiality obligations in contracts.

Further guidance on freedom of information and confidentiality obligations in contracts is available on the Ministry of Justice Freedom of Information and Office of Government Commerce websites.