Mull and Iona Ferry Committee and Routes to and from Mull: FOI release

Information requested

I would like to request all correspondence, in any form including meetings and reports, between Transport Scotland and the Mull and Iona Ferry Committee on the subject of the Mull and Iona Ferry Committee operating any of the ferry routes to and from Mull. It should also include information relating to running the ports. The time frame is January 2021 to the date of receipt of the request.

This should include all aspects of the Committee seeking to operate any of the relevant routes and ports, covering correspondence with any members of the ferry committee and Transport Scotland.

I would also like to request all internal correspondence between staff of Transport Scotland on the same subjects as above for the same timescale.

Response

Our answer to your enquiry is provided in Annex A.

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 an exemption under section 30(b)(i) which covers free and frank provision of advice applies to some of the information. Section 38(1)(b) applies to third party data and section 25(1) applies to information that is otherwise accessible.

Section 30(b)(i) of FOISA (free and frank provision of advice) 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 recognises the need to have a private space within which to provide advice.

Personal data relating to names of Scottish Government officials has also been redacted under 38(1)(b) of FOISA. This exemption applies because the information is personal data of third parties and disclosing it would contravene data protection principles.

Section 25(1) (otherwise accessible) applies to some of the information requested, as this is already in the public domain.

The exemption 30(b)(i) is subject to the ‘public interest test’. We have considered if the public interest in disclosing some 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. However, there is a greater public interest in protecting the space for Ministers to have advice and ensuring that the Scottish Government is able conduct this aspect of its business effectively.

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.

Annex A - 202200328758

File type

16 page PDF

File size

1.4 MB