‘Deer management’ and ‘Deer control’ correspondence received by Minister Lorna Slater MSP: FOI release

Information requested

Internal and external correspondence received by Minister Lorna Slater MSP regarding ‘deer management’ and ‘deer control’ between 1 September 2021 and the present day.

Response

I attach 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 s38(1)(b) – third party personal data), an exemption under section s.25(1) (Information otherwise accessible) and an exemption under s.30(b)(I)(Prejudice to effective conduct of public affairs) of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why these exemptions apply are explained below.

Section 25(1)

Some of the information you request is available from Deer Working Group - gov.scot (www.gov.scot) & Deer Management Strategic Board - gov.scot (www.gov.scot). Under section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably accessible to you. If, however, you do not have internet access to obtain this information from the website listed, then please contact me again and I will send you a paper copy.

Section 30(b)(i)

An exemption under section 30(b)(i) (Prejudice to effective conduct of public affairs) of FOISA applies to some of the information requested. This exemption applies because disclosure would, or would be likely to, inhibit substantially the free and frank provision of advice. 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 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, this is outweighed by the public interest in high quality policy and decision-making, and in the properly considered implementation and development of policies and
decisions.

Section 38(1)(b)

An exemption under section s38(1)(b) –(third party personal data) applies to some of the information because it is personal data of a third party and disclosing it would contravene the data protection principles in Article 5(1) of the General Data Protection Regulation and in section 34(1) of the Data Protection Act 2018. This exemption is absolute, which means that it is not subject to the public interest test.

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FOI 202200315354 - Information released

File type

49 page PDF

File size

7.0 MB