A consultation launches today, asking whether information held by public authorities be made available for public viewing earlier than the current 30 year rule.

The consultation follows the recent decision by Scottish Ministers to open Scottish Government files from the period 1979 to 1994, 15 years earlier than has previously been the case.

"The Scottish Government is committed to the principles that underpin Freedom of Information legislation," said Minister Bruce Crawford.

"That is why I announced last month that we would make available, from later this year, Scottish Government files which would otherwise have remained secret for up to 30 years - files which cover, among other things, the first devolution proposals and the introduction of the poll tax.

"I believe there is a case for extending that approach to all public authorities who are subject to the legislation. However I am clear that it is important to seek views on the extent of any changes. That is why our consultation paper asks a number of questions - and the responses we receive will help determine our next steps."