Asked by: Baroness Hamwee (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in negotiations with the European Union, having regard to law enforcement and internal security, they have referred in the single governance framework to common values including the rule of law and human rights, and to the UK’s continued adherence to the European Convention on Human Rights; and if not, (1) why not, and (2) what assessment they have made of the impact on the outcome of negotiations regarding security matters.
Answered by Lord True - Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
There have been constructive negotiations on law enforcement and criminal justice cooperation. In round four of negotiations, for example, there were detailed technical exchanges on extradition, the UK’s relationship with Europol and the exchange of Passenger Name Record (PNR) information.
As set out in the UK Approach, an agreement in this area should include: arrangements that support data exchange for law enforcement purposes; operational cooperation between law enforcement authorities; and judicial cooperation in criminal matters. This cooperation should be underpinned by the importance that both parties attach to safeguarding human rights, the rule of law and high data protection standards.
Asked by: Baroness Hamwee (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what was the total cost of administering the Freedom of Information regime in 2012–13, 2013–14 and 2014–15.
Answered by Lord Bridges of Headley
The Freedom of Information Act applies to 100,000 public authorities and therefore its total cost is not recorded.
However, in evidence submitted by the Government to the House of Commons Justice Select Committee in 2012, it was estimated that the staff cost of replying to an FOI requesting central government was £184 and an internal review £179. Based on these calculations, and allowing for average pay awards, the estimated staff cost for central government requests and internal reviews was £9,600,000 in 2012, £10,100,000 in 2013, and £9,300,000 in 2014; and £4,600,000 for initial requests in January - June 2015. Information for the numbers of internal reviews handled in 2015 is not yet available.