Public Services Minister "in discussion" with Whitehall mandarins

Freedom of Information Act Delayed

A Downing Street spokesman said the white paper was now likely to be published after the summer recess. It was taking "more time to prepare" because it was a complicated area and ministers had to have "experience of government" before they could explore all the options.

The spokesman insisted the white paper would be published as promised during this parliamentary session. A Freedom of Information Act designed to end what's been called Britain's culture of official secrecy was one of the main constitutional changes promised by Labour before the election.

The Downing Street statement followed reports that ministers and Whitehall manadrins were at loggerheads over the proposed Act. Senior ministers have privately accepted that they have still to overcome doubts and hostility among senior officials.

Campaigners for open government were bitterly disappointed when Labour failed to promise a Freedom of Information Act in the first session of Parliament. The Government immediately promised to publish its plans by the summer, and open up a public debate.

BBC Political Correspondent John Pienaar on the battle over official secrecy

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The Cabinet Minister for Public Services, David Clark, is said to be determined that the plans reflect the will of politicians -- not their officials. That means recruiting ministers, department by department, in support of his ideas and making it impossible for senior civil servants to undermine the proposals.

In a Whitehall battle reminiscent of the BBC's political satire, Yes, Minister, the struggle is expected to focus on the escape clauses which can be used to justify secrecy. There will be several exemptions in the Act, including national security and Britain's economic interests, but officials will be pressing for more.

Ministers say they're keener to win the argument and get the plans right than act quickly.