General Medical Council

The complainant has submitted an information request to the General Medical Council (the GMC) that refers to three investigation cases.    The GMC has refused to confirm or deny it holds information within the scope of the request, under section 40(5B)(a)(i) of the FOIA (personal data), as to do so would disclose individuals’ personal data. The Commissioner’s decision is as follows: The GMC can rely on section 40(5B)(a)(i) of the FOIA to refuse to confirm or deny it holds the requested information as to do so would contravene data protection legislation.  Confirmation or denial would release the personal data of particular doctors. The Commissioner does not require the GMC to take any remedial steps. Information Tribunal appeal EA/2021/0131 appeal withdrawn.