F-2010-00202 - Embryo loss incidents
06 October 2010
Summary of request
The HFEA was asked about for information about the number of incidents reported to it since 2005 resulting in the loss of one or more embryos, how many embryos were reported lost in those incidents, how many such incidents resulted from operator or human error (i.e. not equipment fault or failure to follow correct procedures), and how many embryos have been lost as a result of operator loss from the incidents reported.
HFEA response
The Authority estimated that the cost of complying with this request would exceed the ‘appropriate limit’ set out in the Freedom of Information and Data Protection (Appropriate Limit and Fees) Regulations 2004 ('the Regulations'). This limit is £450 and, for the purposes of estimating cost, staff time is calculated at notional rate of £25 per hour. In estimating the cost of complying with a request for information the Regulations entitle the Authority to take into account the combined costs of determining whether the information is held, locating the information, retrieving the information and extracting the information for the purpose of disclosure. Section 12 of the FOIA allows public authorities to decline to provide information requested under the FOIA where the cost of doing so would exceed this appropriate limit and the request is therefore refused.
Page last updated: 09 August 2012