July 2009: UEA's Dave Palmer admits removing data to deny Steve McIntyre the information, then writes "This still leaves us with a PR problem but eliminates the legal problem"

Email 1175

date: Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:59:07 +0100

On phone to ICO at moment awaiting input on the section 77 question - am arguing that
taking the files off was to meet with our contraction obligations under which we received
it and to repair what we perceive as a lapse in security....

They have now stated they don't think the removal of the data is in contravention of
section 77 in that the sole purpose of the removal was NOT to deny the requester his
legitimate right of access to the information. I did tell them that that our intention was
stated in our response to Mr. McIntyre; namely to deny him the information on the basis of
EIR Reg. 12(5)(f) & the public interest & this did not alter their position.

This still leaves us with a PR problem but eliminates the legal problem....

Cheers, Dave [Palmer, UEA; to Phil Jones et al]