Department for Business & Trade (DBT)

The complainant has requested information on two meetings and correspondence between Lord Johnson and Anduril regarding defence matters . DBT provided redacted information within the scope of the request whilst withholding the remaining information in reliance of the exemptions at FOIA section 41(1) - Information provided in confidence, section 40(2) – Personal information, section 35 – Operation of any ministerial office and section 43 – Commercial interests. The Commissioner’s decision is that DBT has correctly relied on the exemptions at FOIA sections 41(1), 43(2) and 40(2). However, although he finds the exemption at section 35(1)(d) engaged, the public interest favours disclosure. The Commissioner requires DBT to take the following steps to ensure compliance with the legislation. •    Disclose the information redacted under section 35(1)(d).