Information Commissioner's Office

Leicestershire County Council

4 September 2014, Local government (County council)

The complainant has requested from Leicestershire County Council (‘the council’) reports regarding horse meat in Asda Smart Price Corned Beef. In a previous investigation (case reference FS50518770), the council informed the Commissioner that the only report it held was the Public Analyst’s Report and the Commissioner decided that the council correctly applied the exemption for investigations and proceedings conducted by public authorities at section 30(1)(b) of the FOIA but in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption did not outweigh the public interest in disclosure of the information. The Commissioner therefore ordered disclosure of the identified report. A complaint was then made that the council must hold further reports other than the Public Analyst’s Report. The Commissioner’s decision is that that, on the balance of probabilities, the council does not hold any further reports. He does not require the council to take any steps to ensure compliance with the legislation.

FOI 1: Not upheld