FOI
The Freedom of Information Act (FOI) 2000 came into force on 1 January
2005. This gives individuals anywhere in the world who make a written
request a statutory right of access to information held by Dstl. All requests
will be responded to within 20 working days of receipt.
The presumption is always towards disclosure, however information will
not be disclosed should it relate to:
- Special Forces and units actively providing support to GCHQ
- Information subject to the Data Protection Act 1998
- Information already accessible to the public by other means (e.g. in the Dstl Publication Scheme, National Archives, Scientific publications.)
- Information intended for future publication.
- The cost of complying with the request would exceed the appropriate
limit. (£600)
- Vexatious or repeated requests.
There are 23 other exemptions, but those that are most relevant to Dstl include information relating to:
- National Security
- Defence
- International relations (including information supplied in confidence by a State or International organisation)
- The formation of government policy
- Commercial interests
- Health and safety
More details relating to the FOI Act (2000) and the exemptions can be found at: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/ukpga_20000036_en_1