FS50165372

Decision Summary

• Case Ref: FS50165372
• Date: 19 February 2008
• Public Authority: Cabinet Office
• Summary: The complainant requested Cabinet minutes and records relating to meetings it held from 7 to 17 March 2003 where the Attorney General’s legal advice concerning military action against Iraq was considered and discussed. The Cabinet Office confirmed to the complainant that during the period in question, there were two meetings of the Cabinet. However, it withheld the information under sections 35(1)(a) and (b) of the Act (‘Formulation of government policy’ and ‘Ministerial communications’). The Commissioner accepts that sections 35(1)(a) and (b) are engaged in this case. However, he concluded that (subject to certain specific redactions) the balance of the public interest under section 35 favours disclosure of the information in full. Information Tribunal appeal number (EA/2008/0024) has been dismissed.
• View PDF of Decision Notice: [1]

• Section of Act / Finding: FOI 35 - Complaint Upheld - Find other matching decisions