FOI/202100262420 · FOI · partially withheld
Communications with Lorna Slater MSP regarding workload and duties during COP26: FOI release
Information requested
Please provide any communications between minister Lorna Slater and officials in October/November where Ms Slater raises:
The scope and nature of her workload/duties; The number of engagements she will have to undertake per day; Her preferences about any limits of numbers of engagements carried out during COP26;
Response
I attach a copy of the information requested, in PDF format. In order to be able to release the document, two exemptions applies, regarding the protection of personal data and free and frank provision of views. A large proportion of the information is outwith the scope of the request. The information identified has been redacted. An exemption under S38(1)(b) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. Some of the information is personal data and disclosure would contravene data protection principles and potentially lead to identification of an individual(s). An exemption under section 30(b)(ii) (the free and frank exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation) applies also. This exemption recognises the need to allow Ministers some private space for discussion. 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.” 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.
Detected exemption language
In order to be able to release the document, two exemptions applies, regarding the protection of personal data and free and frank provision of views. An exemption under S38(1)(b) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. An exemption under section 30(b)(ii) (the free and frank exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation) applies also. This exemption recognises the need to allow Ministers some private space for discussion. This exemption is subject to the ‘public interest test’.