Cooper: a right to know?

New rules on freedom of information could apply to previously confidential tests on new medicines, the government has revealed.

In a statement on the application of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, it was announced that health and agriculture ministers favour the repeal of section 118 of the Medicines Act 1968 which would remove a blanket ban on releasing information concerning clinical trials.

The government wants to see the current system replaced with the exemptions and public interest tests that have been established under new data legislation.

In addition, it has been announced that Section 28 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 will be amended, compelling the government's workplace safety bodies, the Health and Safety Commission and Executive, to disclose information where there is a clear public interest in doing so.

"These first steps mark important progress towards changing the culture of government and extending the public's right to know what is being done in their name," said freedom of information minister, Yvette Cooper.

The review of legislation is part of the government's annual report on the implementation of the act.

The report highlights that around 400 items of legislation prohibiting disclosure of information have been reviewed, with decisions made to repeal 97 and retain 79.