Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West Mike Crockart has supported a 10 minute rule bill in Parliament which seeks to strengthen the Freedom of Information Act.

The Bill, which was sponsored by fellow Lib Dem MP Tom Brake, seeks to amend the existing freedom of information law to ensure that requests are answered in a shorter time frame and all arms length companies owned by local authorities and private companies wholly involved in the provision of services to local authorities can be included in the request.

The Bill also seeks to curtail the power of ministers to veto decisions made by the information commissioner.

Mike Crockart said: “The Freedom of Information Act has done a great job in creating a more open and accountable Government. However, the experience of time has taught us that there are still improvements too many publicly owned companies which operate under a veil of secrecy.

“I am pleased to support Tom Brake’s bill which looks to make much needed amendments to the existing law and will make the Government and its organisations much more accountable.”