Appeal to the Information Commissioner

On 23rd April 2009 Doug Paulley sent the following appeal to the Information Commissioner.

The request relates to historical animal usage at the Open University, and the sources of these animals. The university has refused to reveal sources, citing health and safety and commercial concerns for its suppliers if the information is released.

However, the information is already - in part - in the public domain in the research reports on the University's website. Providers of animal tissue are already "public". In addition, in similar cases decided upon by the Commissioner - e.g. Case Ref: FS50160909 - it was decided that the authorities should release information and the health and safety and commercial interests exemptions were not valid.

The University also claimed legal exemption under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act, but this exemption is incorrect.