answer text |
<p>I refer the Member to the answer provided for PQ 186439, which states that details
of payments to the identity providers is commercially sensitive information and cannot
be released. Any information that may lead to a breach of commercial sensitivity with
our private sector suppliers would have a negative impact on the relationship between
Government and its partners.</p><p> </p><p>We accept there is a general public interest
in disclosure of information and we recognise that openness in government may increase
public trust in and engagement with the government.</p><p> </p><p>These public interests
have to be weighed against a strong public interest that policy-making and its implementation
are of the highest quality and informed by a full consideration of all the options.
It is important that government can work with partners to deliver a high quality service
and maintain a high level of trust.</p><p> </p><p>Any information that may lead to
a breach of commercial sensitivity would have a negative impact on the relationship
between government and the identity providers. Taking into account all the circumstances
of this case, we have concluded that the balance of the public interest favours withholding
the information requested.</p>
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