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 Government Bureaux and Departments, 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, and its Guidelines on Interpretation and Application can be accessed at http://www.access.gov.hk.
Schedule of charges for reproducing information
Other than publications which are available free of charge or at cost, the following charges will be levied (subject to revision from time to time):
| Photocopying: | HK$1 per copy (black and white on A3 or A4 size paper) |
| Data in a floppy disk: | HK$5 per disk |
| Data in CD ROM: | HK$10 per disk |
Application form for access to information (PDF
file, 43KB)