Law Society of Scotland documentation: FOI release

Information requested

All documents, meetings, communications and discussions between Michael Clancy of the Law Society of Scotland and the Scottish Government from January 2024 to the date of this FOI request.

I have interpreted this to mean that you are requesting direct “correspondence, notes, records, minutes of meetings between the Michael Clancy of the Law Society of Scotland and the Scottish Government".

Response

I enclose copies of most of the information you have requested.

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some ofthe information requested because exemptions under the following sections of FOISA apply:

- section 38(1)(b) – personal data relating to a third party
- section 30(b)(i) – free and frank provision of advice
- section 30(b)(ii) – free and frank exchange of views

These exemptions apply to some of the information requested, as indicated in the Annex.

Section 38(1)(b) has been applied to protect personal data where disclosure would contravene data protection principles.

Sections 30(b)(i) and 30(b)(ii) have been applied where disclosure would, or would be likely to, inhibit substantially the free and frank provision of advice or exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation. This exemption is intended to allow officials and stakeholders a private space within which to discuss and develop policy positions.

In applying the exemptions under sections 30(b)(i) and 30(b)(ii), we have considered the public interest test. We recognise that there is a public interest in openness and transparency in relation to the Scottish Government’s engagement with stakeholders. However, we have concluded that, on balance, the public interest in maintaining a private space for the free and frank exchange of views outweighs the public interest in disclosure in this case.

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 202600514520 - Information released - Documents

File type

PDF

File size

1.8 MB