Ministry of Justice
- Date 24 September 2019
- Sector Central government
- Decision(s) FOI 31: Upheld, FOI 38: Upheld
The complainant requested information relating to the number of weapons confiscated at individual Crown Court locations in England in the last two years. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) refused to provide the requested information, citing sections 38(1)(a) and (b) (health and safety) and 31(1)(a), (b) and (c) (law enforcement) of the FOIA. The Commissioner investigated its application of sections 31 and 38. She finds that neither section is engaged and therefore the MoJ is not entitled to rely on either exemption. The Commissioner requires the MoJ to take the following steps to ensure compliance with the legislation: disclose the requested information to the complainant.