Simple question~
Data is supposed to be maintained in such a way as to be readily released upon request. Why would the QMUL legal department and administration simply not instruct the PACE authors to release the data? It's easier, it's cheaper, and it's better for the university's reputation to do what is both transparent and standard in science. The administration has a reason to go through this degree of trouble, expense, and potential damage to the university's reputation. What is that reason if it's not that they fear the damage to the university will be worse if they do release the data?
I suspect they never really ask just go along with White. They should ask but I think management at UK universities is pretty poor.