Department for Business Innovation and Skills

The complainant requested various pieces of information regarding export licence applications for Iran that were made in the first two quarters of 2009. Whilst the public authority provided some information, the majority of the information was withheld under sections 23(5), 24(2), 27(1)(a), 27(1)(b), 27(1)(d), 27(2), 36(2)(a)(i), 36(2)(b)(i), 36(2)(b)(ii), 40(2), 41(1), and 43(2). After investigating the case the Commissioner found that some of the requested information was exempt under section 27(1)(a) and 41(1). However, he also decided that some of the requested information should be disclosed as the public authority had incorrectly applied sections 41(1) and 43(2). The Commissioner also found that the public authority had not met with the requirements of sections 10 and 17. Information Tribunal appeal EA/2011/0044 allowed.