Freedom of information. Quietly does it

The forthcoming legislation on freedom of information is likely to be far less radical than originally envisaged. Decisions over what information to release will rest with civil servants. The legislation is likely to require primary care groups to respond to requests for information about allocation of resources between services. Access to the workings of government and the evidence underlying policy decisions would enable people to become active citizens. It would also stimulate sympathy for managers' and clinicians' rationing dilemmas. Current restrictions are at odds with government policy to modernize the NHS.