The first step in administering the questionnaire was the assurance section, in which the patients were informed that the information sought was not part of their treatment and would in no way influence the treatment of their cancer.
The information sought is the identity of the giver.
It provides that if the information sought is "sensitive information" no court can force its disclosure.
He did say that the information sought here did not violate whatever such right may exist.
"However, Defra has concluded that the public interest in withholding the information sought outweighs the public interest in its disclosure.
The company said the information sought included mutual fund lineup recommendations that Morningstar Associates, an investment adviser on 401(k) plans, made to the plan providers.
The information sought is related to Mr. Bolton's handling of information requested from the N.S.A. and to his role in a 2003 dispute over intelligence assessments on Syria.
Basically, the agency only has to show that the information sought is necessary for the performance of the agency's official duties.
A federal judge in Virginia, Liam O'Grady, ruled against them last November, saying that the information sought by the government was relevant to a continuing ongoing investigation.
Judge Walton, of the Federal District Court in Washington, said Dr. Hatfill was entitled to the sources' names because "the information sought is clearly central to his Privacy Act claims".
Subpoenas seeking reporters' notes and drafts, audio or video outtakes or testimony confirming published information are all allowed unless the information sought was obtained in exchange for a promise of confidentiality.
