National Archives

The complainant asked The National Archives (TNA) for access to the closed file FD 23/4224: ‘Discussions with Prince of Wales: correspondence via Lord Jellicoe concerning the Prince’s interest in alternative medicine: covering dates, 1985-1986’. TNA initially refused to disclose any of the file, relying on the exemptions contained at sections 37(1)(a), 40(2) and 41(1). At the internal review stage TNA disclosed part of the file and relied on the three same exemptions to withhold the remainder of the information. The Commissioner has concluded that the parts of the file that have been withheld are 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. Information Tribunal appeal EA/2011/0094 part allowed.