Correspondence in relation to request FOI/19/00022: FOI release

Information requested

 

In relation to Freedom of Information request FOI/19/00022, please provide:
A copy of all correspondence (excluding any to myself) during the period 23 January 2019 to 23 February 2019 (inclusive of both dates).

 

Response

 

I enclose a response to your request. 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 of FOISA apply. The reasons why these exemptions apply are explained in the Annex to this letter.

 

ANNEX
REASONS FOR NOT PROVIDING INFORMATION

Exemptions apply, not subject to the public interest test
The first exemption applies under section 25(1) of FOISA as some of the information is otherwise accessible. Further exemptions also apply under sections 38(1)(a) and 38(1)(b) of FOISA to some of the information you have requested because it relates either to personal information of which you are the data subject, or personal information of third parties. These exemptions are not subject to the ‘public interest test’, so we are not required to consider if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption.

Exemptions apply, subject to the public interest test
A final exemption applies under section 30(c) of FOISA as release of some of the information you have requested would be likely to substantially prejudice the effective conduct of public affairs. 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 a public interest in disclosing information as part of open, transparent and accountable government, and to inform public debate. However, there is a greater public interest in high quality policy and decision-making, and in the properly considered development and implementation. This means that Ministers and officials need to be able to consider all available options and to debate those rigorously, to fully understand their possible implications.

 

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.

 

foi-19-01202 Information requested

File type

21 page PDF

File size

932.5 kB