Providing information to select committees
8.66 Select committees have the right to request information from Ministers or departments under the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives (the Standing Orders). (See the section entitled "Powers of Committees" in the chapter on select committees.) Strictly speaking, a refusal to produce documents requested by a select committee may constitute contempt. Occasions may arise, however, when information requested by a select committee is classified, or there may be good reason to protect it from public release.
8.67 Although the Official Information Act 1982 does not bind or constrain the House and its select committees, officials may usefully apply the criteria in the Act when considering whether good grounds exist for withholding information. If such good grounds exist, the select committee should be made aware of the position in a constructive and timely way. On learning of the reason why the information needs to be protected, the select committee may choose to waive its request or consider a compromise option, such as a summary of the information requested. Officials should consult the relevant Minister, who is ultimately responsible for the release of information by officials to select committees.
8.68 Further guidance on this issue is provided by the State Services Commission in Officials and Select Committees - Guidelines. (See www.ssc.govt.nz.)
