Information Commissioner's Office

Summary: The complainant requested information about a specific test carried out on a laser speed meter, used for detecting speeding offences. The Home Office responded that it had had no involvement in the test and therefore held no information about it. When the complainant challenged this, the Home Office disclosed a link to an online copy of a report that it had been sent by a third party, which contained information about the test. However, it maintained that it held no other relevant information. The complainant insisted that logic dictated the Home Office would hold more information on the test. The Commissioner decided that, in failing to confirm that it held information covered by the request within 20 working days, and by failing to supply the information which it did hold or apply a relevant exemption within 20 working days, the Home Office breached section 10(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. However the Commissioner decided on the balance of probabilities that the Home Office did not hold any further recorded information which was covered by the request. Information Tribunal appeal number EA/2009/0107 part allowed.
Section of Act/EIR & Finding: FOI 1 - Complaint Not upheld, FOI 10 - Complaint Upheld