The Scottish Government has agreed to consult on extending Freedom of Information laws to cover housing associations, private prisons and other bodies which are currently not covered.

The proposal to extend Freedom of Information laws was first made by Liberal Democrat Chief Whip Robert Brown who had planned to introduce a Private Members’ Bill on the subject.

Reacting to the Government’s announcement Mr Brown said:

"Whilst the announcement of the consultation is welcome, I am disappointed that the SNP Government has not committed itself to extend coverage.

“When the Freedom of Information Act was introduced by Liberal Democrat Ministers in Government, it was seen as groundbreaking and ahead of the equivalent Westminster legislation. Now the time is overdue for the Act to be extended to cover newly established bodies and the plethora of organisations which contract under public-private partnership arrangements to provide services to the public like schools and hospitals.

“I hope the SNP Government will not be too timid on this matter."