Maritime and Coastguard Agency

The complainant has requested from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (“the MCA”) information relating to an incident on 10 October 2009 at Mistley Quay, Essex. The MCA refused the request on the grounds that compliance would exceed the appropriate cost limit under section 12 of FOIA. The Commissioner’s decision is that the MCA was entitled to rely on section 12(1) of FOIA to refuse the request. The Commissioner also finds that the MCA breached section 16 of FOIA in this case. However, the Commissioner is satisfied that on this occasion there was no advice or assistance that could have been provided. He therefore does not require any further steps to be taken.