FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND OPENNESS: FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS?

* Professor of Public Law and Director of the Institute of European Public Law, University of Hull, United Kingdom (UK), HU16 4AS: P.J.Birkinshaw^ull.ac.uk. Professor Birkinshaw is editor of the journal European Public Law and served as special adviser (1997-1999) to the House of Commons Select Committee on Public Administration, which spent two years examining the UK government's proposals for freedom of information legislation. He is currently working for the same Committee as a special adviser in its investigation into Political Memoirs. I am grateful to Professor Gary Edles for his comments and assistance. I am answerable alone for any faults.