4.1 Although sections 21 and 22 are essentially aimed at different stages in the cycle of publication, there is one important point of intersection which should be noted. Unlike section 21, section 22 does not make specific provision for information held with a view to publication in accordance with a publication scheme. But if a public authority's publication scheme would in fact result in the future publication of information in response to an individual's request, then that information will automatically be 'reasonably accessible' under section 21. Section 21 is an 'absolute' exemption; it does not require the application of the balance of public interest to an individual request.
4.2 Section 22 is technically capable of applying in a wide range of circumstances in which other exemptions also apply. This will very often be the case where the disclosure of information is particularly highly time-sensitive. For example, there may be a settled intention to publish certain information which before a certain date is highly market sensitive. Before that date, the public interest may strongly favour withholding the information on the grounds of prejudice to the economic interests of the UK, for example (section 29), or to a person's commercial interests (section 43). Here, the intention to publish - as opposed to the prejudice to be forestalled - may not at first sight appear be the dominant feature of the circumstances. But the policy considerations as to public authorities' reasonable control over the circumstances of their publications should not be overlooked. Because of them, reliance on section 22 does not set a threshold as to likely prejudicial effects of a particular disclosure - rather the situation is considered in the round from the point of view of the balance of the public interest as between immediate and delayed disclosure. Authorities may therefore choose to cite section 22 as well as, or in the alternative to, other qualified exemptions.
4.3 The interests specifically protected by section 22 may also be protected under other exemptions. For example: