I am writing to advise you 1 The PPA holds the information you requested, namely information about monthly prescription figures relating to all pharmacies in contract with Camden PCT & with Islington PCT. 2 However, I have decided not to disclose the information. The information you requested is being withheld as it falls under the exemption in section 43 of the Freedom of Information Act. In applying this exemption I have had to balance the public interest in withholding the information against the public interest in disclosing the information. The attached annex to this letter sets out the exemption in full, as well as the factors I considered when deciding where the public interest lay. It also includes a schedule of the types of documents analysed when considering your request. Annex Section 43 - Commercial interests (1) Information is exempt information if it constitutes a trade secret. (2) Information is exempt information if its disclosure under this Act would, or would be likely to, prejudice the commercial interests of any person (including the public authority holding it). (3) The duty to confirm or deny does not arise if, or to the extent that, compliance with section 1(1)(a) would, or would be likely to, prejudice the interests mentioned in subsection (2). Factors for disclosure - Public accountability Factors for withholding - Potentially serious detrimental affect on the viability of the pharmacies Reasons why public interest favours withholding information - I consider that the public accountability in releasing this information is outweighed by the potential serious detrimental affect on the viability of the pharmacies and the loss of service to the local community that this would represent.