Statistics on Code on Access to Information for third quarter of 2023
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The total number of requests received since the introduction of the Code in March 1995 and up to the end of September 2023 amounted to 119 421. Of these, 7 103 requests were subsequently withdrawn by the requestors and 5 949 requests covered cases in which the bureaux/departments concerned did not hold the requested information or cannot confirm or deny the existence of information. As at September 30, 2023, 653 requests were still being processed by bureaux/departments.
Among the 105 716 requests which covered information held by bureaux/departments and which the bureaux/departments had responded to, 102 591 requests (97 per cent) were met, either in full (99 757 requests) or in part (2 834 requests), and 3 125 requests (3 per cent) were refused.
Any member of the public who is dissatisfied with the response of a bureau/department under the Code may request that the matter be reviewed. He or she may also lodge a complaint with the Ombudsman.
In the third quarter of 2023, the Ombudsman received 13 complaints relating to requests for information. In this quarter, the Ombudsman concluded 14 complaints, among which one was partially substantiated, 12 were concluded by inquiries (including three cases with inadequacies found), and one was assessed and closed. As at September 30, 2023, the Ombudsman's investigations on 16 complaints were ongoing.
"The Code has provided an effective framework for the public to seek access to information held by the Government," the spokesman said.
Ends/Friday, April 12, 2024
Issued at HKT 15:00
Issued at HKT 15:00
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