HUNDREDS of people across Cumbria have used their powers under the Freedom of Information Act to quiz their civic leaders.

Figures show that in the 12 months since the act came into force, residents asked wide-ranging questions.

The law allows anyone to ask public bodies, such as local authorities, for any information. The organisation has to respond within 20 working days, and if it refuses to release the information it must give a reason.

There is an opportunity to appeal any refusal by contacting the Information Commissioner.

At the end of last year, 267 people had used the FOI Act to quiz Cumbria County Council, and the busiest months were February and March, with 39 and 35 inquiries respectively.

A variety of topics were covered, but the most common were the environment, including roads and highways, which accounted for 18 per cent of questions; personnel, 15 per cent; administration, 14 per cent; finance, 13 per cent; and education, 12 per cent.

Private individuals accounted for 60 per cent of questions, while 22 per cent came from businesses, 14 per cent from the media, and four per cent from interest groups.

Spokesman Justin Hawkins said: "The vast majority were answered within the 20-day time limit.

"Some were not, but we have not had any complaints from the Information Commissioner yet."

Lake District National Park Authority chiefs had received 55 inquiries by the end of last year.

The single biggest issue, prompting eight questions, was the Windermere 10mph speed limit. Although there were more questions about rights of way, the topic covers a range of inquiries, such as people wanting information about footpaths.

Spokesman Mick Casey was pleased to report that all 55 questions had been answered within the 20-day limit.

At the end of 2005, South Lakeland District Council had five outstanding requests and had received 20 inquiries, making a total of 25.

The breakdown of subject matter was: legal, including land ownership and planning inquiries, five; environ- mental, including the Stock Beck Flood Alleviation scheme, six; suppliers requesting information, five; and others, four.

The Westmorland Gazette has asked a number of questions under the act, including two requests relating to safety cameras.

One question was about the number of tickets issued by mobile and fixed safety cameras in Cumbria, while the other requested the income, expenditure and surplus generated by each safety camera partnership in England.

The first request was answered outside the 20-day deadline.