Department of Health
- Date 7 February 2013
- Sector Central government
- Decision(s) FOI 35: Not upheld
The complainant has requested copies of correspondence between the Chief Medical Officer, or officials acting on her behalf, and other persons on the subject of PIP (Poly Implant Prothese) breast implants. The Department of Health (DoH) agreed to the provision of some of the requested information but refused to disclose the remainder on the basis of section 35(1)(a) (formulation or development of government policy) of FOIA. The Commissioner’s decision is that the exemption is engaged and that, in all the circumstances, the public interest in disclosure is outweighed by the public interest in maintaining the exemption. He does not therefore require any steps to be taken as a result of this notice.