Four hundred & fifty-six requests for information under the Code on Access to Information were received in the third quarter, the Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Bureau announced today.

Since the code's introduction in March, 1995, the government has received 25,424 requests. Of these, 22,825 requests (89%) were met either in full or in part, 531 requests (2%) were refused, while 1,235 requests (5%) were withdrawn. The bureaus/departments concerned did not hold the requested information in respect of 896 requests (4%).

As at September 30, bureaus and departments were processing 37 requests.

Any member of the public who is dissatisfied with the response of a bureau or department under the code may request a review of the matter, and lodge a complaint with the Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman received six complaints relating to the code in the third quarter. At the same time, it completed investigation in respect of six complaint cases, including cases carried over from previous quarters.

Of the six completed cases, three were substantiated, one partially substantiated and two settled by offering assistance and clarification to the complainants. The Ombudsman decided not to pursue two other cases having considered their circumstances.