FS50220275

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Decision Summary

  • Case Ref: FS50220275
  • Date: 29 March 2010
  • Public Authority: Cabinet Office
  • Summary: The complainant asked the Cabinet Office for submissions that had been made to The Queen in respect of the recommendation of the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals that British service personnel be allowed to accept, but not wear, the Pingat Jasa Malaysia medal (PJM). The Cabinet Office refused to disclose the information it held citing the exemptions provided by sections 35(1)(a) – formulation and development of government policy; 37(1)(a) – communications with the Royal Family; and 37(1)(b) – information relating to the conferring of an honour or dignity. The Commissioner has concluded that the information which falls within the scope of the request consists of a letter dating from December 2005 from the then Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, to the then Private Secretary to The Queen, Sir Robin Janvrin and a report of the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals about the PJM. The Commissioner has also concluded that both documents fall within the scope of section 37(1)(a) and furthermore that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the requested information.
  • View PDF of Decision Notice: [1]