FOI Disclosure Stories 27 April - 3 May 2009

New footage released of July 7 bombers - Guardian Unlimited 01/05/09
“New footage of the July 7 bombers was released today after a three-year freedom of information battle. The images show the terrorists chatting, putting on rucksacks and buying snacks on their way to blow up tube trains. Hasib Hussain is also seen shopping for a battery and stopping at McDonald's as he struggles to make his device work after the other bombs have been detonated… Last month the information commissioner dismissed Scotland Yard's objections that disclosure could disrupt its investigations, and ordered the release of seven pieces of footage.”

Home Office ‘colluded with Phorm’ – BBC 28/04/09
“The Home Office has been accused of colluding with online ad firm Phorm on ‘informal guidance’ to the public on whether the company's service is legal. E-mails between the ministry and Phorm show the department asking if the firm would be ‘comforted’ by its position. The messages show Phorm making changes to the guidance sought by the ministry… The e-mail exchanges were released under a Freedom of Information (FOI) Act request made by a member of the public and sent to the BBC.”

Radioactive leaks from naval base – Channel 4 27/04/09
“Britain's Trident submarine fleet is accused of behaving ‘above the law’ after a secret series of radioactive leaks and hazardous practices at its base were revealed by Channel 4 News. Nuclear discharges, safety fears and concerns over poor maintenance at the Faslane naval base in Scotland were so acute experts say it should have been closed down, a Channel 4 News investigation has found. Details of the nuclear breaches at the base, part of Her Majesty's Naval Base Clyde, were unearthed via a series of Freedom of Information (FoI) requests by this programme.”

Regional

Pro rata salary - BBC 28/04/09
“Derry City Council has paid the manager of City of Derry airport almost £35,000 since he took up the part-time post just over three months ago. The information was revealed to the BBC following a request under the Freedom of Information Act. Albert Harrison was hired on 13 January to work three days a week. If that is still the case, he will have worked, at most, 48 days to date - equating to £725 a day.”