Home Code on Access to Information

Code on Access to Information

The Government exists to serve the community well within available resources. To this end, it recognises the need for the community to be well informed about the Government, the services it provides and the basis for policies and decisions that affect individuals and the community as a whole.

The Code on Access to Information (the Code) defines the scope of information that will be provided, sets out how the information will be made available either routinely or in response to a request, and lays down procedures governing its prompt release.

The Code authorises and requires civil servants, routinely or on request, to provide information unless there are specific reasons for not doing so. These reasons are set out in Part 2 and will normally be referred to if a request for information is refused.

Requests for information will be handled as promptly and helpfully as possible and if necessary, members of the public may be approached to clarify their requests or the requests may be directed to the most appropriate department. Procedures will be kept as simple as possible.

The Code also sets out procedures for review or complaint if a member of the public considers that the provisions of the Code have not been properly applied.

The Code can be accessed at http://www.access.gov.hk.

The Senior Executive Officer (1) is designated as the Access to Information Officer of the Commission Secretariat. He is responsible for ensuring that requests for access to information under the Code are properly dealt with in accordance with the specified procedures.

Requests for information or records held by the Commission Secretariat may be made by letter or application form obtainable from the reception counter of the Commission Secretariat on 23/F, Fairmont House, 8 Cotton Tree Drive, Central, Hong Kong or any District Offices, Home Affairs Department. All applications should be addressed to -

Access to Information Officer,
Administration Unit,
Public Service Commission Secretariat,
Room 2301, 23/F, Fairmont House,
8 Cotton Tree Drive,
Central,
Hong Kong.

The following information is available for public inspection at the reception counter of the Commission Secretariat -

  1. PSC Notice and Internal Circular on the Code
  2. Organisation Chart and Distribution of Business of the PSC Secretariat
  3. Statement of performance pledges
  4. A list of records by category kept by the PSC Secretariat
  5. A list of information either published or made available free of charge or at a cost
  6. Legal obligations and restrictions
  7. A copy of the Code
  8. A copy of the Guidelines on Interpretation and Application of the Code
  9. A set of administrative procedures for handling requests for information under the Code

Other than publications which are available free of charge, or at a cost specified, the following photocopying charge will be levied -

Photocopying black and white on A3 or A4 size - HK$1.50 (A4 size) or HK$1.60 (A3 size) per copy unless otherwise provided by enactment or approved by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury.

For enquiries, please contact Ms Faith WAN, Senior Executive Officer (1), at telephone number 2523 1953 during office hours.