Minister’s meetings with users of Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services Network: FOI release

“A summary of all meetings held by the Minister engaging with ferry users since he assumed responsibility for ferry services, for only the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services network, to 31st October 2018, that is: 

*The date

*The groups/committees/community councils/businesses/organisations/residents and or residents groups *The location of each meeting that he has attended and specifically the names of the groups with which he has engaged to discuss  CHFS ferry services

*To provide examples of letters that have been sent to Mr Wheelhouse since he assumed responsibility that express views on CHFS services in Scotland's west coast and islands. 

I am keen to see evidence to demonstrate that the Minister 'has been listening to island communities' as outlined in the debate yesterday.”

Mr Wheelhouse became the Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands at the end of June 2018 following the Cabinet reshuffle. However following a review of portfolio responsibilities, Mr Wheelhouse only became the Minister leading on ferries at the end of August 2018.

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 an exemptions under section 29 (1)(b) Ministerial communications and section 38 (1)(b) personal data relating to a third party of FOISA applies to that information.  The reasons why that exemption(s) applies are explained in the Annex A below. 

The answers to your questions are detailed as part of Annex B.

Reasons for not providing information

(Annex A)

An exemption applies, subject to the public interest test.

Section 29(1)(b) – Ministerial communications.

An exemption under section 29(1)(b) Ministerial communications of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. The information that applies to the exemption above relates to sensitive discussions between Ministers in relation to important matters regarding the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service. 

The exemption in relation to Section 29(1)(b) is subject to the ‘public interest test’. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we must consider 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 exemptions. There is public interest in the sensitive nature of the communications between Scottish Ministers in relation to the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service. 

Section 38(1)(b) – personal data relating to a third party

An exemption under section 38(1)(b) personal data relating to a third party of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested.  The information that applies to the exemptions above relates to personal data held within Annex A.

The exemption in relation to Section 38(1)(b) 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. The rationale for this relates to legislation in relation to General Data Protection Regulations which came into force on 25 May 2018 and in particular, the third party information detailed within. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemptions.