Exemptions

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Not all information held by a public body is eligable for release under the Freedom of Information Act, some information will be exempt. There are a total of 25 exemptions that may prevent the release of information.

 

The key exemptions which are relevant to the use of animals in research are:

  • Where disclosure is likely to endanger the safety of any individual
  • Information received in confidence
  • Where disclosure would prejudice commercial interests
  • Where disclosure would prejudice prevention of crime
  • Information intended for future publication

Uncertainty about how widely certain exemptions will apply will be clarified only after the Act has been in operation for some time. The Information Commissioner's Office will enforce and promote the FOI Act. It has responsibility for ensuring that information is disclosed promptly and that exemptions from disclosure are applied lawfully.

 

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