US Export Plan documentation: FOI release
Information request and response under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.
Information requested
All documentation held by the Scottish Government, including correspondence sent and received (including internal), minutes/notes from meetings, briefings and analysis, about a US Export plan, from the last three months.
On the 22 July 2025 clarification was sought, noting that “identifying and locating the information that you have asked would exceed the cost limit set under the FOISA . As such, and in order to proceed, we would be grateful if you could refine your request further, perhaps more specificity on the types information and/or over a shorter time horizon, for example ministerial advice and key documents.”
On the 22 July 2025 you responded, “could I restrict it to all key documents and ministerial advice over the same time frame.”
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 requested because exemptions under specific sections of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why these exemptions apply are explained in Annex A to this letter.
These exemptions are subject to the 'public interest test'. Taking account of all the circumstances of this case, I have considered whether the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying them. On balance, we have found that the public interest favours upholding the exemptions in parts of this release. However, where the public interest in disclosure outweighs the exemption, the information has been released.
Annex A
The exemptions applied, their relevant sections and descriptions as per FOISA 2002 are outlined below:
|
Exemption |
Descriptions |
|
s.25(1) |
Information otherwise accessible |
|
s.27(1) |
Information intended for future publication |
|
s.29(1)(a) |
Formulation or development of policy |
|
s.30(b)(i) |
Free and frank provision of advice |
|
s.30(b)(ii) |
Free and frank exchange of views |
|
s.33(1)(b) |
Commercial interests |
|
s.36(2) |
Confidentiality / actionable breach of confidence |
|
s.38(1)(b) |
Personal information (third party) |
About FOI
The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.
Contact
Please quote the FOI reference
Central Correspondence Unit
Email: contactus@gov.scot
Phone: 0300 244 4000
The Scottish Government
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG