Correspondence relating to Nicola Sturgeon's proposed appearance at the Science Festival: FOI release

Information requested

1. Copies of ministerial and official correspondence, documents, briefing notes prepared etc relating to Nicola Sturgeon's proposed appearance at the Science Festival on 6th April.
2. Details of any correspondence relating to her decision to drop out from the event on the 6th.
3. Copies of ministerial and official correspondence, documents, briefing.

Response

I enclose a copy of most of the information you requested.

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested because exemptions under sections s.38(1)(b) (personal information) and s.30(b)(i) (provision of advice) of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why the exemptions applies are explained below.

An exemption under section s.38(1) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. This exemption relates to the personal data of a third party such as full names or email addresses which would personally identify an individual without a public profile. This exemption is not subject to the 'public interest test'.

An exemption(s) under section(s) s.30(b)(i) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. This exemption exempts information from disclosure where disclosure would, or would be likely to, inhibit substantially the free and frank provision of advice to Ministers. This exemption is subject to the 'public interest test'. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is some public interest in release because of the presumption in favour of release. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in maintaining the ability of civil servants to provide free and frank advice to decision makers.

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FOI - 202300351558 - Information release

File type

32 page PDF

File size

491.8 kB