The complainant requested copies of the licenses issued by the Home Office to GW Pharmaceuticals allowing it to cultivate, possess and supply cannabis. The Home Office refused to disclose the licenses on the following exemptions section 31(1)(a) (prevention or detection of crime); section 41 (information provided in confidence) and section 43(2) (commercial interests). During the course of the Commissioner’s investigation the Home Office explained that it was also seeking to rely on section 40(2) (personal data) to withhold the name of an individual identified on the licenses. The Commissioner has concluded that the Home Office is entitled to rely on the exemptions contained at sections 31(1)(a) and 40(2) to withhold the information requested by the complainant.
Section of Act/EIR and Finding: FOI 31 – Complaint Not upheld, FOI 40 – Complaint Not upheld
[2012] UKICO FS50434519
Bailii
England and Wales
Updated: 12 September 2021; Ref: scu.529633