Department of Health

The complainant requested copies of correspondence exchanged between The Prince of Wales and the Secretary of State at the public authority over a three year period. The complainant also requested a list and schedule of this correspondence. The public authority confirmed that it held information falling within the scope of the request but refused to disclose it on the basis of section 37(1)(a), 40(2) and 41(1). The Commissioner has concluded that the requested correspondence is exempt from disclosure on the basis of section 37(1)(a) and in all the circumstances of the case the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information. The Commissioner has also decided that a list/schedule of correspondence sent by or to The Prince of Wales is also exempt from disclosure on the basis of the exemption. Information Tribunal appeal EA/2011/0092 part allowed.