Your Ref

Our Ref FOI 122/08/09

Date 09 October 2009

Dear Mr Ray

FOI 122/08/09 Freedom of Information Internal Review Request

Dear Mr Ray

Thank you for your email of 14 September 2009 requesting an internal review of the decision not to disclose statistics on the number of companies incorporated with the word `co-operative' in their name. I have now completed my review and have come to the conclusion that the section 21 exemption could be applied in this case.

I note your point regarding the example detailed in section B of the Freedom of Information Act Awareness Guidance number 6 issued by the Information Commissioner's Office. However, as there is a statutory charge for the DVD Rom Directory we believe that the section 21 exemption could apply. However, I do accept your argument that there will be cases where it may not be reasonable to require an individual to purchase the whole Directory when they only require a small amount of information. This case fits that criteria and I have decided that we should provide this information from the DVD Rom Directory, which I hope you will find useful.

As at the end of July there were 1,286 companies on the register with `co-operative' in their name. You may also wish to note that there were an additional 56 companies with `cooperative' in their name. The information contained in the DVD Rom only shows companies that are live and will not provide statistics of companies that incorporated with this word and were then subsequently dissolved. The figures for the companies that were incorporated within the last 3 years, and are still live, are 114 for `co-operative' and 14 for `cooperative'. You should note however, that if you require more in-depth information, you will be required to purchase the DVD Rom Directory.

I hope this provides you with sufficient information to answer your questions. If you are not happy with the way this case has been handled you have the right to contact the Information Commissioner, The Information Commissioner's Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF.

Yours sincerely

Tim Moss

Director of Corporate Strategy