Freedom of Information (3) A record may not be refused in terms of subsection (1)(a)(ii) if it came into existence more than twenty years before the request. (4) If— (a) a request for access to information may be refused in terms of subsection (1), or could, if it existed, be so refused, and the disclosure of the existence or non-existence of the information would be likely to cause the harm contemplated in any provision of subsection (1), the information officer concerned may refuse to confirm or deny the existence or non-existence of the information; and (b) if the information officer so refuses to confirm or deny the existence or non-existence of the information, a notice to the applicant shall— (i) state that fact; and (ii) identify the provision of subsection (1) in terms of which access would have been refused if the information had existed; and (iii) give adequate reasons for the refusal to the extent that they can be given without causing the harm contemplated in subsection (1); and (iv) state that the applicant may appeal against the decision in terms of section 36. 5 10 15 28 20 Protection of economic interests and financial welfare of State and commercial interests of public entities (1) An information officer of a public entity may refuse a request for access to information of the entity if its disclosure would be likely to materially jeopardise the national economic interests or financial welfare or the ability of the government to manage the national economy effectively in the national best interest. 25 30 35 40 45 (2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), the information referred to in subsection (1) shall include information on— (a) a contemplated change in, or maintenance of, a policy substantially affecting the currency, coinage, legal tender, exchange rates or foreign investment; (b) a contemplated change in or decision not to change— (i) credit or interest rates; or (ii) customs or excise duties, taxes or any other source of revenue; or (iii) the regulation or supervision of financial institutions; or (iv) government borrowing; or (v) the regulation of prices of goods or services, rents or wages, salaries or other incomes; or (c) a contemplated— (i) sale or acquisition of immovable or movable property; or (ii) international trade agreement. (3) Subject to subsection (5), an information officer may refuse a request for access to information if the information— (a) contains trade secrets of the State or a public entity; (b) contains financial, commercial, scientific or technical information, other than trade secrets, the disclosure of which would be likely to cause harm to the commercial or financial interests of the State or a public entity; (c) contains information the disclosure of which could reasonably be expected— 17