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As members will appreciate, freedom of information is a subject in which I have taken a considerable personal interest over many years. I am, therefore, delighted to announce the publication of the document.
I am aware that that is what the Parliament intends to do and it is quite a new idea for many people, including us. Although the concept is easy enough to grasp in principle, the practice of it causes some difficulty from time to time.
The committee has heard about the good work that many local authorities carry out, but without someone to co-ordinate that work, there can be a lot of duplication.
A Scottish Office practice that continues in the Scottish Executive means that that the principal finance officer and many other senior people within the finance function are not necessarily qualified accountants or finance professionals—that is different from the situation in many other organisations.
Would it be reasonable to build in such savings? After many years of efficiency savings, how much cash would be left over and available to be brought to the rescue?