I think FoIs are a good idea generally, something the public and watchdogs can use to ensure agencies and departments are working as we expect them to. However Philip Morris has submitted a request to Stirling University for data on teenage smokers.

Read more at the BBC here.

No doubt PM are expecting that a publicly funded operation will have to provide this information.

"Such government-funded research conducted by public institutions is covered by the Freedom of Information Act, in accordance with which members of the public can request information held by public authorities."

She added: "With regards to this FoI request, the Scottish Information Commissioner confirmed in his decision of 30 June, that we had a legitimate interest in seeking the information and asked the university to respond to the request.

I would have thought that this information could be used to undermine public health measures and on that basis alone should be not allowed. It would also give this company a competitive advantage over their competitors. If the information has to be provided then redact all personal information and only group individual data in a way that guarantees anonymity. Though longer term this type of request should be disqualified as it is not for the public good.

"We are not seeking any private or confidential information on any individuals involved with the research. As provided by the freedom of Information Act, confidential and private information concerning individuals should not be disclosed."

Yes but ASH are not a commercial organisation. I do not think that all commercial FoI requests should be banned. There are occasions such as the press who publish the information to a wider audience, should not be constrained.

The problem is that if a university researchs some technique that they plan to license to a third party what is to stop another party demanding all the information as a FoI request effectively stripping that university of income?

Such government-funded research conducted by public institutions is covered by the Freedom of Information Act

if it as privately funded or a private company funded the research then it wouldn't be covered by a FOI.

Yes but not all research is privately funded. It would mean the complete end to blue skies funding in this country.

As it is a research project by a university then surely the results would be published anyway. Are PM trying to get hold of the raw data?

The tobacco industry is targeting the Department of Health to extract information about meetings between government officials and researchers who are investigating the public-health implications of new smoking policies.

One leading tobacco company has asked for – and been given access to – the minutes of a confidential meeting between health department officials, cancer experts and foreign government officials – to the surprise of those who attended the private discussions.

The Freedom of Information requests are part of a global campaign by tobacco companies to fight any further legal restrictions on cigarette sales and promotion, particularly the introduction of plain cigarette packets devoid of company logos and branding.

As it is a research project by a university then surely the results would be published anyway. Are PM trying to get hold of the raw data?

I would have thought that this information could be used to undermine public health measures and on that basis alone should be not allowed.