Written question asked by Baroness Noakes (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Sainsbury of Turville (Labour) on Thursday, 20 October 2005.

Companies House Pricing Review

Question: Whether the deletions made by Companies House before releasing the final report of the Companies House Pricing Review (June 2004) under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 comply with (a) the legal requirements; and (b) the spirit of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Answer: Yes. Information was withheld from the released version of the final report under exemptions in the Freedom of Information Act 2000:"Under Section 43 because it would be likely to prejudice the commercial interests of Companies House. This information was also exempt under Section 35 because it related to the formulation of government policy.""Under Section 42 because it was subject to legal professional privilege.""Under Section 38 because it could have endangered the physical or mental health or safety of any individual."The Act provides exemptions to the rights of access to information in order to ensure a proper balance between extending people’s access to official information and preserving confidentiality where disclosure would be against the public interest. In this case the Registrar of Companies was satisfied that the balance of public interest was correctly applied and that the redactions were explained by Companies House when it released the report.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 1691; 674 c138WA
Session: 2005-06
Related items: Companies House Pricing Review
Monday, 31 October 2005
Written questions
House of Lords; Companies House Pricing Review
Monday, 31 October 2005
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Disclosure of information Fees and charges Freedom of information Exemptions Reviews Companies House
Legislation: Freedom of Information Act 2000
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk