Freedom of Information request on the release of the iDAPs (FOI 21/1057)
Published 17 January 2022
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/freedom-of-information-responses-from-the-mhra-week-commencing-13-september-2021/freedom-of-information-request-on-the-release-of-the-idaps-foi-211057
17th September 2021
FOI 21/1057
Dear
Thank you for your information request, dated 13th September, where you asked why there was a delay in releasing the iDAPs.
Unfortunately, the information is exempt from release under section 35.
Section 35 – Formulation of Government policy: the information you have requested is being withheld under section 35 of the FOI Act. Section 35 protects the internal deliberative process as it relates to Government policy making. In other words, the exemption is intended to ensure that the possibility of public exposure does not deter from full, candid and proper deliberation of policy formulation and development, including the exploration of all options, the keeping of detailed records and the taking of difficult decisions. Section 35 is a qualified exemption, which means that we have considered whether the public interest in releasing the information is outweighed by the public interest in not giving the information.
Please note the disclosure of the iDAPs has no relation to the use of our AI systems.
If you disagree with how we have interpreted the Freedom of Information Act 2000 with regards to your request, you can ask for the decision to be reviewed. The review will be carried out by a senior member of the Agency who was not involved with the original decision.
If you have a query about the information provided, please reply to this email.
Yours sincerely,
MHRA Customer Service Centre
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London E14 4PU