Information Commissioner's Office

Summary: The complainant made a freedom of information request to the NHS Business Services Authority (-�the BSA-�) for information on the number of prescriptions dispensed at seven particular pharmacies, together with details of the doctor who issued the prescription. The BSA disclosed most of the requested information but applied the section 43 exemption (commercial interests) to withhold the information for one of the pharmacies. The Commissioner-�s decision is that the requested information is exempt under section 43 but the public interest favours disclosure. The Commissioner requires the public authority to take the following steps to ensure compliance with the legislation. The BSA shall disclose to the complainant that part of the requested information which was withheld under the section 43 exemption.
Section of Act/EIR & Finding: FOI 43 - Complaint Upheld