Annual Report 2004-05

Freedom of Information

Authorised Freedom of Information Decision Makers

Decisions on requests made to Defence under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 may be made by the Minister for Defence, the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, the Secretary of Defence or by persons acting under authority given by a Minister, the Parliamentary Secretary or the Secretary. The Secretary may also issue certificates that establish conclusively that documents are exempt from disclosure under the Act.

The authority to disclose documents or to refuse requests for access to documents is held widely throughout Defence at Director level (Executive Level 2 and Colonel or equivalent rank) and above.

Authority to make decisions of other kinds under the Freedom of Information legislation, for example, the power to impose charges on applicants, has also been delegated to appropriate officers. Details can be obtained from the Freedom of Information Directorate, see address and contact numbers above.