Britain has no Freedom of Information Act-unlike an increasing number of Western countries.
In Opening Secrets Ed Boyle unearths rare examples in this country where the authorities have taken the public into their confidence: how do council tenants react when they are allowed to see their files for the first time? Do the housing officers wind up with bouquets or black eyes? When evacuation plans are shown to those living next to petrochemical plants are the residents relieved or alarmed? And when the members of a secret committee to select magistrates are made known is there an increase in candour or corruption?
Traditionalists argue that openness leads to government inefficiency; campaigners claim that efficiency is irrelevant, that real democracy is based on the citizen's right to know.
Film editor MICHAEL CASEY
Series producer HUGH PURCELL Producer SUE BOURNE