Ministry of Defence
- Date 17 January 2019
- Sector Central government
- Decision(s) FOI 27: Not upheld, FOI 40: Not upheld, FOI 42: Not upheld
The complainant submitted a request to the Ministry of Defence (MOD) for information about a ship, HMS Fantome, which was wrecked off the coast of Nova Scotia in 1814. The MOD provided the complainant with some information falling within the scope of his request but sought to withhold further information on the basis of sections 27(1)(a), 27(2) (international relations) 40(2) (personal data), and 42(1) (legal professional privilege). The Commissioner has concluded that the MOD is entitled to rely on the various exemptions which it has cited. However, she has also concluded that the MOD breached section 17(3) by not completing its public interest considerations within a reasonable time period.