Cabinet Office
- Date 23 August 2023
- Sector Central government
- Decision(s) FOI 12(1): Not upheld, FOI 16(1): Not upheld, FOI 17(5): Upheld
The complainant submitted an information request to the Cabinet Office for the dates and times that former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher spoke to former President George Bush, during the period of January to April 1989.
The Commissioner’s decision is that the Cabinet Office was entitled to rely on section 12(1) of FOIA to reuse the request, and that it complied with its obligations under section 16(1) of FOIA to offer advice and assistance. However, in failing to provide its refusal notice within 20 working days, the Cabinet Office breached section 17(5) of FOIA.
The Commissioner does not require further steps as a result of this decision notice.