The Welsh minister for open government has pledged to lead the way on freedom of information for the rest of the UK.

Speaking to the Cardiff Business Forum last night, Carwyn Jones said Wales was already delivering on pledges of open government.

"Delivering open government is a big challenge, but our intention is that this administration will meet and exceed the requirements of the Freedom of Information legislation," he said.

"Our goals are ambitious and challenging but our commitment is genuine."

"We are determined that the National Assembly for Wales will be ahead of the game."

He said the devolved Welsh administration was already going beyond the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, which is being phased in at Westminster by January 2005.

Jones pointed to decisions already made to publish minutes of Cabinet meetings and press briefings on the internet, create a register of documents so the public knows what information is available and change the criteria on whether to withhold information from the existing "harm or prejudice" test to one of to "substantial harm".

The minister added that said that quangos overseen by the Welsh assembly were also being encouraged to open up to scrutiny.

"The approach to openness set out in the 2001 Code is one which we have asked Assembly Sponsored Public Bodies to follow where possible. They are responding positively to this" he commented

Jones added that openness was one way in which the public could be reconnected with those who govern them.

"Open government or freedom of information is not just about releasing information - it's much wider. It's about listening. It's about accountability. It's about partnership. It is a two-way process," he suggested.

"We have to make sure that what we do is as accessible as possible, but we also want to make sure that we are as accessible as possible to the views of the Welsh public and organisation in Wales. We are committed to building a more participative approach to the devolved government of Wales."