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Request for Access

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 Deputy Departmental Secretary, is designated as the Access to Information Officer (AIO) of this Department. AIO 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 Department may be made by letter or application form downloaded here.

The application should be addressed to:

Access to Information Officer
Legal Aid Department
27th Floor, Queensway Government Offices
66 Queensway
Hong Kong

The following information is available for public inspection at the website of this Department:

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

Photocopying black and
white on A4 size paper
HK$1.5 per photocopy unless otherwise provided by enactment or approved by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury.
Photocopying black and
white on A3 size paper
HK$1.6 per photocopy unless otherwise provided by enactment or approved by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury.

The above charge is subject to revision from time to time.
For enquiries, please telephone 2867 3171 during office hours.