Primary Care Trusts: Freedom of Information

Mr. Gummer
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he takes in response to allegations that primary care trusts have not provided accurate responses for requests made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Mr. Bradshaw
Should such an allegation be received, the normal procedure would be to recommend to the bringer of the allegation that he or she redirect the allegation to the Information Commissioner's Office, who has the enforcement powers to intervene under the Freedom of Information Act. The Department does not have powers under the Act to intervene with other organisations.