About us

Freedom of Information update

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives anybody the right to access information held by public authorities, including central government departments. The Animal Scientific Procedures Division has received requests under the 2000 Act.

Since the 1 January 2005:

• we have received 45 requests for information
• we have received 5 requests since 1 January 2007, one recent request has still to be completed
• 12 of our responses have been internally reviewed and no decision has been overturned
• there have been three complaints regarding responses to the Information Commissioner. Of these:
  
  - one was upheld and not taken further
  - one was upheld and the decision was then referred to the Information Tribunal
  - one was mainly upheld but a different view was taken on the balance of public interest
  

• we had to disclose additional (internal) information on the handling of two infringements
• we have been robust in safeguarding sensitive licensing information
• the requests have mainly been on who holds licences, specific projects or types of work,infringements,inspection reports and cost-benefit assessments
• the applicants have mainly been journalists and animal protection groups
• we have not given any information about individuals or establishments holding licences although we have given some information about specific licences after consulting with licensees.