The Cabinet Office has worked with the University of Southampton to support the release of the Mountbatten archive, whilst ensuring sensitive and official information is handled appropriately and in line with the Freedom of Information Act and Data Protection Act. Dr Lownie lost his appeal against the Cabinet Office, but continued to seek costs in a separate application. This application was rejected by the First Tier Tribunal and permission to appeal at the Upper Tribunal was also rejected.<\/p>
<\/p>
The final legal costs relating to the First Tier Tribunal hearings and associated litigation regarding this archive are £180,454. This relates to 5 appeals EA/2020/0021, EA/2020/0026, EA/2020/0058, EA/2020/0059 and EA/2021/0125 as well as a further 5 related appeals and application to seek costs including UA-2022-001422, 001425, 001427, 001428 and 001429-GIA. These costs include those incurred by the Cabinet Office for external legal counsel and work by the Government Legal Department.<\/p>
The cost of officials\u2019 time, including Cabinet Office legal advisers\u2019, is not recorded against each Freedom of Information request.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4613", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Alex Burghart"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Brentwood and Ongar"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Alex Burghart"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2023-09-04", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2023-09-04T16:01:32.643Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "53"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2023-07-18", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Earl Mountbatten of Burma: Diaries"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 18 July 2023 to Question 193280 on Earl Mountbatten of Burma: Diaries, how much his Department spent on (a) barristers and (b) other lawyers as part of the (i) litigation related to the First-tier Tribunal and (ii) freedom of information requests made by Dr Andrew Lownie on the Mountbatten diaries and letters.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/54", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Julian Lewis"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "New Forest East"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Sir Julian Lewis"} ], "uin" : "194644"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1652108", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Cabinet Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1652108/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
To provide this information would exceed the threshold and incur a disproportionate cost to the Cabinet Office. Civil servants do not record the proportion of time that they spend on individual matters, and cover a range of responsibilities, including Freedom of Information and litigation.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4613", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Alex Burghart"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Brentwood and Ongar"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Alex Burghart"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2023-07-17", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2023-07-17T17:07:11.463Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "53"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2023-07-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Earl Mountbatten of Burma: Diaries"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much his Department spent on (a) barristers and (b) other lawyers as part of the (i) litigation related to the First-tier Tribunal and (ii) freedom of information requests made by Dr Andrew Lownie on the Mountbatten diaries and letters; and if he will make an estimate of the cost of civil service time spent in handling all aspects of this matter.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/54", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Julian Lewis"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "New Forest East"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Sir Julian Lewis"} ], "uin" : "193280"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1484675", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Cabinet Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1484675/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
I refer the Rt Hon. member to the answer given to PQ 16932<\/a> on 20 June 2022.<\/p> <\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4116", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Michael Ellis"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Northampton North"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Michael Ellis"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2022-07-04", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2022-07-04T13:32:39.177Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "53"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2022-06-29", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Infected Blood Inquiry"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the report by Sir Robert Francis QC on Compensation and Redress for the Victims of Infected Blood - Recommendations for a Framework, published in March 2022, if he will take steps to implement the recommendation in paragraph 9.136 of that report that arrangements should be made immediately through the existing support schemes for an interim lump sum payment of compensation to be made to every living infected person accepted by a support scheme as eligible for annual support payments.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/54", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Julian Lewis"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "New Forest East"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Dr Julian Lewis"}
], "uin" : "27500"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1463030", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1463030/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " Those who participated in the Nuclear Test Programme made a significant contribution to the safety and security of the UK by ensuring that we were equipped with an appropriate nuclear capability; it is right that their contribution is recognised.<\/p> The Prime Minister and I look forward to meeting with representatives of the Nuclear Test Veteran community shortly.<\/p> <\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4600", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Leo Docherty"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Aldershot"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Leo Docherty"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2022-05-19", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2022-05-19T17:19:29.93Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "53"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2022-05-16", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Veterans: Radiation Exposure"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Prime Minister's oral contribution of 20 April 2022, Official Report, column 161, what steps he is taking to ensure that surviving nuclear test veterans receive recognition for their service.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/54", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Julian Lewis"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "New Forest East"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Dr Julian Lewis"}
], "uin" : "2337"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1420742", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1420742/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " I refer the Hon. Member to the Cabinet Office update from the Second Permanent Secretary which has been published on GOV.UK and placed in the Library of the House.<\/p> <\/strong><\/p> It would not be appropriate for the Government to comment further while the Metropolitan Police Service\u2019s investigation is ongoing. At the end of the process, the Prime Minister will ask the Second Permanent Secretary to update her findings, which will be published in line with the Terms of Reference.<\/p> <\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4116", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Michael Ellis"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Northampton North"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Michael Ellis"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2022-02-21", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2022-02-21T17:59:11.063Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "53"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2022-02-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Investigation into Alleged Gatherings on Government Premises during Covid Restrictions"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will take steps to secure a copy of the full version of the Sue Gray report and publish that report in unredacted form without delay.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/54", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Julian Lewis"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "New Forest East"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Dr Julian Lewis"}
], "uin" : "120605"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1363465", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1363465/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " Guidance is provided in the Code of Practice on Records Management, issued under Section 46 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. This was updated and published in July 2021 (as outlined in the Written Statement of 15 July 2021, HCWS185). In 2018, the National Archives was commissioned to undertake a review of the Code. The Code was revised and updated on a principles-based, format-neutral basis, bringing the existing 2009 code up to date with contemporary information management practice and the modern digital working environment.<\/p> The Cabinet Office has also previously published guidance on how information is held for the purposes of access to information. Ministers and officials are also given advice on the security of electronic communications. We are keeping this matter under review, to ensure working practices reflect the use of modern technology available in the 21st Century.<\/p> <\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4116", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Michael Ellis"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Northampton North"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Michael Ellis"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2021-10-29", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2021-10-29T11:09:49.95Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "53"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2021-10-26", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Government Departments: Telecommunications"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of arrangements in place permanently to preserve electronic communications, within and between Departments, for purposes of (a) political accountability and (b) the historical record; and what restrictions are currently in place on the use of private communication systems to conduct official business.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/54", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Julian Lewis"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "New Forest East"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Dr Julian Lewis"}
], "uin" : "63642"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1338428", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Cabinet Office"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1338428/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " From 21 June, there is no longer a maximum number of attendees at weddings set out in law. Instead, the number of attendees at weddings, civil partnerships and receptions will be determined by how many people the venue or space can safely accommodate with social distancing measures in place.<\/p> The Government committed to explore whether and how COVID-status certification might be used to reopen our economy, reduce restrictions on social contact and improve safety. As set out in the \u2018COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021,\u2019 the Government will set out its conclusions on the COVID-status Certification Review in advance of Step 4 of the Roadmap, in order to inform the safe reopening of society and the economy.<\/p> An update on the Roadmap Reviews was published on 5 April and can be found here:<\/p>