Parliamentary Questions answers on private and hybrid dental clinics: FOI release

Information requested

All recorded information, created or received between 1 June 2025 and 15 October 2025, held by the Scottish Government relating to the preparation of the Ministerial answers to the following Parliamentary Questions:

• S6W-40643, S6W-40644, S6W-40645, S6W-40646 answered 1 October 2025); and
• S6W-40709 and S6W-40710 (lodged 23 September 2025, answered 3 October 2025).

Response

We have completed our internal searches, and I enclose a copy of all the information you requested.

Sections 30(b)(i) and 30(b)(ii)

Exemptions under sections 30(b)(i) and 30(b)(ii) of FOISA (free and frank advice and exchange of views) apply to some of the information requested. These exemptions apply because disclosure would, or would be likely to, inhibit substantially the free and frank provision of advice and exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation. The exemptions recognise the need for Ministers to have a private space within which to seek advice and views from officials before reaching the settled public position which will be given in whatever final SPQ answers are used. Disclosing the content of free and frank briefing material on S6W-40643, S6W-40644, S6W-40645 and S6W-40646 substantially inhibit such briefing in the future, particularly because these discussions relate to a sensitive or controversial issue such relating to principal stakeholders.

​​​​​​​These exemptions are 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 exemptions. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemptions. 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 allowing a private space within which officials can provide free and frank advice and views to Ministers in briefing for SPQ answers It is clearly in the public interest that Ministers can properly answer Parliamentary questions (to which they are accountable). They need full and candid advice from officials to enable them to do so. Premature disclosure of this type of information could lead to a reduction in the comprehensiveness and frankness of such advice and views in the future, which would not be in the public interest.

​​​​​​​Section 38(1)(b)

​​​​​​​An exemption under section 38(1)(b) of FOISA applies to some of this information. This exemption applies to personal data such as names - the disclosure of which would contravene data protection principles. In addition, any information outwith the scope of your request has been redacted.

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.

FOI 202500489375 - Information Released - Annex

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