88.This section exempts information which is intended to be published, where it is reasonable that the information should not be disclosed until the intended date of publication. Examples of the type of information covered by this exemption include information relating to research projects which it would be inappropriate to publish until the project had been completed, or statistical information which is usually published to a specific timetable (annually, quarterly etc). This exemption is related to the duty to adopt a publication scheme (section 19). Where a publication scheme states that an authority will publish information on specified dates or at specified intervals the authority would normally be able to rely on this exemption in relation to particular requests for such information.
89.Subsection (2) provides that the duty under section 1(1)(a) to confirm or deny that the requested information is held does not arise in relation to information which is exempt by virtue of subsection (1) if to comply would, itself, disclose information which it is reasonable to withhold until the publication date. This might apply where, for example, to be told that information relating to amendments to taxation is held would reveal that tax rates are to be amended, and therefore it would be reasonable for an authority neither to confirm nor deny that such information is held pending publication of the relevant policy proposals or decisions.