7. Welsh Conservatives debate: Ministerial reshuffle: the Permanent Secretary's report

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:32 pm on 28 February 2018.

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Photo of Julie James Julie James Labour 4:32, 28 February 2018

Diolch, Llywydd. This Government completely agrees that there is a purpose in being both open and transparent in these matters. But the general framework of the law for approaching this question is very clear. Where the publication of information is likely to prejudice the effective conduct of public affairs generally, or any investigative process, then there is a public interest assessment about whether to disclose or whether to withhold disclosure.

Clearly, if a leaked report were to be published, this could prejudice future leak inquiries by undermining confidence in the process of the investigation, and individuals being less prepared to provide evidence. If that were to happen, it would not be in the public interest. Whereas here, there is the additional element of ongoing inquiries, there are further potential risks to the overall integrity of the process—[Interruption.]