so much for 'freedom of information' (uk)

the independent has a story here about the uk freedom of information act and how little information is ever found due to questions being refused. it also records a drop in the amount of people using it to find things out - presumably as they find it a complete waste of time & money when questions like these receive answers like this....

Q. Would you tell us a little more about the sweater given to George Bush by Tony Blair?

A. This information is not in the public interest.

Q. Could you send us all the written evidence given by police forces to the Government's 2004 public consultation on prostitution?

A. Disclosure might harm police efforts to prevent and detect crime.

Q. How about Tony Blair's Christmas card list?

A. Many of the addressees are foreign dignitaries. This information would be harmful to international relations.

Q. What are the highest fees paid by the BBC and who earns them?

A. This is privileged and personal information.

Q. Can we see Home Office reports on the impact of its plans for compulsory ID cards?

A. Disclosure would harm the formulation and development of government policy.

Q. Please give us information about the cases referred to the secretive unit, known as the 'clearing house', which fields tricky or potentially embarrassing questions made under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act?

A. Such information would prejudice the effective conduct of public affairs.

if you are in the uk, or even if you aren't but believe in the freedom of information act then you really ought to read this article.