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<p>The Freedom of Information Act 2000 provides a right of access to a wide range
of information held by public authorities, including the National Health Service.</p><p>
</p><p>The Parliamentary and Public Accountability Agreements Protocols in place between
the Department and its arm’s length bodies cover best practice for responding to Freedom
of Information (FOI) requests. This includes consulting with the Department where
necessary and sets out that the Department’s FOI team will provide informal, impartial
advice on relevant legislation and duties. However, the decision as to whether a request
falls under a relevant exemption and whether or not the information should be released
remains with NHS England and Improvement.</p><p> </p><p>The Department expects to
publish the latest Protocol for Public and Parliamentary Accountability on GOV.UK
in due course.</p>
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