Freedom of Information request for GMP inspection report for Kennet Bioservices Ltd (FOI 21-074)
Published 24 March 2021
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Thank you for your communication to the MHRA in relation to a Freedom of Information request for the most recent GMP inspection report for Kennet Bioservices Limited. However the inspection findings are currently subject to an on-going regulatory procedure, therefore the information that you have requested currently cannot be disclosed.
Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) certain exemptions apply to the information we can make available and this report request is subject to exemptions contained in the FOIA, namely section 30:
“Investigations and Proceedings Conducted by Public Authorities”
Section 30 – Investigations: the information you have requested concerns an active Agency investigation and it is therefore exempt under section 30 of the FOI Act, which concerns investigations and proceedings conducted by public authorities. Section 30 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
We have considered the balance of the public interest when applying this exemption. The exemption is to safeguard the commercially sensitive information / industrial secrets of a third party / commercial enterprise (which can include a Government Department). This exemption is conditional on the public interest in releasing it not outweighing the company’s/commercial enterprise’s right to confidentiality and the probable damage that the company/commercial enterprise could suffer as a result of the information being released. In this case I have not identified any issues which would benefit the public as a whole by being brought to their attention (examples of issues would be a major public health risk or a major procedural failure or irregularity) .
If you have a query about this letter, please do not hesitate to contact us at IE&SFOI@mhra.gov.uk
If you are unhappy with our decision, you may ask for it to be reviewed. That review will be undertaken by a senior member of the Agency who has not previously been involved in your request. If you wish to pursue that option please email: info@mhra.gov.uk
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation, we are not able to accept delivery of any documents or correspondence by post or courier to any of our offices.
After that, if you remain dissatisfied, you may write to the Information Commissioner at;
The Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
They will make a decision on whether or not we have interpreted the FOIA correctly in handling your request.
Yours sincerely
IE&S FOI Team
MHRA
Inspection, Enforcement and Standards
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