· FOI · partially withheld
Cabinet Secretary meeting with Faculty of Advocates: FOI release
Information requested
Minutes from the meeting held between Michael Russell MSP and Gordon Jackson and Angela Graham on 15 March 2017 All correspondence before and after this meeting relating to the meeting.
Response
There were no minutes taken during this meeting. The material provided in our response is solely in response to the second part of your request.
Detected exemption language
Documents released briefing for meeting on 15 March 2017 covering email – arbitration paper Faculty of Advocates arbitration proposal emails relating to meeting 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 of exemptions under sections s.30(b)(ii) (free and frank exchange of views for the purpose of deliberation) and s.38(1)(b) (personal information) of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why these exemption(s) applies are explained in the Annex to this letter. Reasons for not providing information An exemption under section 30(b)(ii) of FOISA (free and frank exchange of views for the purpose of deliberation) applies to some of the information requested. This exemption applies because disclosure would, or would be likely to, inhibit substantially the free and frank exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation. This exemption recognises the need for Ministers and officials to have a private space within which to discuss and explore options before the Scottish Government reaches a settled public view.