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5.1 Other FOI exemptions are likely to be relevant to some information that falls within the scope of the defence exemption. In particular, it should be noted that 'defence of the realm' will often be an indication that information needs to be safeguarded for reasons of national security. Having decided that information relates to a defence matter, reviewing officers will therefore need to consider whether disclosure would have connotations for the vital security interests of the nation. This will by no means always be the case: a lot of defence information will relate to policies, plans, operations and activities that do not have this wider perspective.
5.2 The exemption relating to commercial interests may also be relevant to defence (particularly defence procurement) information, and the FOI exemption relating to health and safety may be relevant if the disclosure of information would or would be likely to endanger the physical or mental health of any individual. Section 27 (information likely to prejudice the UK's international relations, or consisting of information received in confidence from another State or international organisation) may well be applicable to some information that falls to be considered under section 26. Officials should consider whether the release of the information, if it is not likely to prejudice defence capabilities, may nonetheless prejudice one of the interests mentioned in section 27(1), or whether it was received in confidence as per section 27(2).
5.3 If requested information is environmental information within the meaning of the Environmental Information Regulations then it will be exempt from the FOI Act under section 39 and its disclosure falls to be considered in accordance with the Environmental Information Regulations.