Secretary of State for Defence (Ministry of Defence)

The complainant has requested a copy of the Harrier GR Mk 9 Aircrew Manual Book 1 – Aircraft and Systems (AP101B-0609-15A). The Ministry of Defence (“the MOD”) refused the request with reliance on section 14(1) (vexatious). The Commissioner’s decision is that the MOD was entitled to rely on section 14(1) to refuse the request. The Commissioner also finds that the MOD breached section 17(5) by failing to provide a refusal notice relying on section 14 within 20 working days. The Commissioner does not require further steps.