Ministry of Justice

The complainant requested information relating to his deceased father’s tenure as a magistrate. The Ministry of Justice (the ‘MOJ’) did not handle the request under FOIA, but informed the complainant in writing that no information was held. The Commissioner has considered whether the request was valid for the purposes of section 8 of FOIA (request for information) and whether the MOJ has provided the information it holds in accordance with section 1 of FOIA. The Commissioner’s decision is that the request was valid for the purposes of section 8 of FOIA. She also finds, on the balance of probabilities, that the MOJ does not hold the requested information. The Commissioner does not require the MOJ to take any steps to ensure compliance with the legislation.