Iraq war critics conduct their own Hutton inquiry

Opponents of the war in Iraq are using the new freedom of information laws to pursue questions that were left unanswered by the Hutton and Butler inquiries.

Tony Blair has consistently refused to say, for example, when he knew that the flawed intelligence included in the infamous dossier on Iraq's weapons of mass destruction had been withdrawn.

Now long-standing critics such as Adam Price, the Plaid Cymru MP, are applying for the information under the new right-to-know laws.

It is just one example of a raft of innovative uses to which the new laws are being put.

TodayThe Independent on Sunday launches a service to help readers get as much as possible from the new Freedom of Information Act, which came into force on 1 January.

We will help route your request to the relevant authority and provide you with updates on its progress. We will also, where possible, help with appeals if requests are turned down, using the advice of a team of freedom of information specialists.

In recent days, Mr Blair's guest list at Chequers has been revealed as a result of the new law. Its more serious application has been shown in the disclosure of details of "intelligence" about the terror suspects held at Belmarsh.

And in the appropriate spirit of openness we are disclosing 10 questions - both serious and light-hearted - that we are seeking answers to under the new legislation.

Some are submitted more in hope than expectation: the Government has ensured that there are a number of exemptions to the right to know.

Information on national security, most personal data, court records and information likely to "prejudice the effective conduct of public affairs" are not included. Other possible exemptions, such as that given to ministerial correspondence, are subject to a "public interest" test.

Richard Thomas, the information commissioner in charge of appeals, says he expects to rule on around 2,000 cases a year but concedes that no one knows what the demand will be.

So just by making a request readers can help ensure that the Government is held to its promises to shine a light on the inner workings of Britain's bureaucracy, say campaigners.

"If people conclude it's a waste of time then there is a danger that is what it will become," said Maurice Frankel of the Campaign for Freedom of Information. "If the new laws aren't used and challenged to the full they could become a damp squib."

If you would like 'The Independent on Sunday' to help with your requests under the Freedom of Information Act, please contact our FOI team by writing to the 'IoS' at Independent House, 191 Marsh Wall, London E14 9RS or email us at foi@independent.co.uk

IN THE NEW SPIRIT OF OPENNESS ... 10 BURNING QUESTIONS

1. What was the Attorney General's legal advice to ministers on the war in Iraq?

What we know now Lord Goldsmith gave detailed advice on the legality of Britain taking part in a military invasion of Iraq without a fresh UN mandate in the early weeks of 2003.

What we'd like to know Was Tony Blair warned that the war could be illegal under international law?

And why It is difficult to imagine anything more in the public interest than the decision to commit British troops to a war.

2. What discussions have taken place about sitting missiles in Britain as part of a nuclear shield?

What we know now Britain and the US have already agreed to share a "Son of Star Wars" nuclear missile shield.

What we'd like to know What plans there are to site US missiles on British soil?

And why The new missile defence programme will fundamentally alter Britain's relations with the rest of the world.

3. What was the ministerial correspondence relating to the public ban on smoking?

What we know now After a bruising Whitehall row John Reid, Secretary of State for Health, opted for a compromise in which smoking will be banned only where food is served.

What we'd like to know Who opposed the ban and who went all the way?

And why The public should know where senior politicians stand on lifestyle issues like smoking.

4. Which individuals have been invited to give money to the academy programme of schools by Tony Blair?

What we know now It is one of Mr Blair's flagship education policies: rich donors are encouraged to sponsor "city academies" in inner-city areas.

What we'd like to know Who has been approached and do they, as some reports have suggested, include firms running private schools for profit?

And why The Prime Minister's relations with the rich have not always been straightforward.

5. Which interrogation witnessed by a British officer did not adhere to the Geneva Convention?

What we know now Downing Street admitted in its response to the Intelligence and Security Committee's annual report last July that at least one interview breached the Geneva Convention.

What we'd like to know No further details of the incident have emerged.

And why Mr Blair has repeatedly denied that Britain supports or condones torture.

6. Can we have minutes of the BBC governors' meeting after which Greg Dyke resigned?

What we know now The former director general thought he had a deal to stay on following the Hutton report but suddenly found he had been sacked.

What we'd like to know What changed in those fateful hours? Who was putting the case for Dyke's removal and why?

And why It is important to clear up the lingering suspicion that governors caved in to pressure from No 10.

7. Can we have the report from the Committee for the Prevention of Torture?

What we know now The CPT, a part of the Council of Europe, re-visited the terror detainees amid concerns for their mental health.

What we'd like to know What did they report to the Government?

And why It is of vital public interest to have an independent assessment of the conditions of the detainees.

8. Who has been entertained at public expense?

What we know now We know that Des O'Connor was entertained at Chequers ...

What we'd like to know But who have Prescott and Straw had to dinner?

And why They are provided at public expense so we have the right to know the guest lists.

9. Which minister clocks up the most mileage in his or her official car?

What we know now We know, roughly, which ministers get the Jaguars and which have to do with the Vauxhall Omega.

What we'd like to know Wouldn't it be fun to know what distance each one travelled in their cars - all on official business, of course.

And why David Blunkett was accused of using his car as an unofficial taxi for his lover - what about the others?

10. What are the results of MoD investigations into sightings of UFOs?

What we know now Nothing. The Ministry of Defence - which examines all reports of sightings - claims it has no evidence any aliens exist, but officials remain "open minded".

What we'd like to know Is anything out there? Is an alien invasion imminent? Is John Redwood one of us or one of them?

And why If the MoD has suppressed reports suggesting there is life out there ... then yes.