Department for Business Innovation and Skills

The complainant has requested the names of two companies which were granted export licences for the dual-use substances for six months in 2012 and an explanation as to why these licences were granted. The Department for Business Innovation & Skills (DBIS) provided the complainant with information to explain why the licences were granted but refused to disclose the names of the two companies as it said this information was exempt from disclosure under section 41 and section 43(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA). The Commissioner’s decision is that DBIS has correctly applied section 41 FOIA to withhold the names of the two companies in this case. The Commissioner requires no steps to be taken. Information Tribunal appeal EA/2014/0068 dismissed.