· FOI · partially withheld
Correspondence between Ms Robison and others: FOI release
Information requested
You asked for Correspondence between Ms Robison or member of her Department anda) the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburghb) the Royal College of Physicians and surgeons of Glasgowc) the Chief Medical Officer for Scotland and her representatives, relating to the reconfiguration of the cleft surgical service in Scotland.
Response
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 of FOISA applies to that information:
s.29 (1)(a) (formulation of policy) s.30 (b)(i) (free and frank provision of advice) s.30 (b)(ii) (free and frank exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation) s.30 (c) (otherwise prejudice effective conduct of public affairs) s.38 (1)(b) (personal information)
The reasons why these exemptions apply is explained in the Annex to this letter.
Detected exemption language
Response 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 of FOISA applies to that information: s.29 (1)(a) (formulation of policy) s.30 (b)(i) (free and frank provision of advice) s.30 (b)(ii) (free and frank exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation) s.30 (c) (otherwise prejudice effective conduct of public affairs) s.38 (1)(b) (personal information) The reasons why these exemptions apply is explained in the Annex to this letter. Reasons for not providing information An exemption applies An exemption under section 29(1)(a) of FOISA (formulation or development of government policy) applies to some of the information requested because it relates to the formulation of the Scottish Government's policy on Cleft Surgical Services in Scotland. An exemption under section 30(b)(i) & (ii) 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 for officials to have a private space within which to provide free and frank advice to the Ministers before the Scottish Government reaches a settled public view.