Correspondence between SG and SinoFortone Group: FOI release

FOI reference: FOI/16/01764
Date received: 6 November 2016
Date responded: 18 August 2017

Information requested

All correspondence between representatives of SinoFortone Group, China Railway No 3 Engineering Group and the Scottish Government on 15 August 2016 (which terminated the Memorandum of Understanding between the two parties, signed in March 2016).

Response

The correspondence is attached.

Reasons for not providing information

An exception applies - Section 30(b)(i).

An exemption under section 30(b)(i) (substantial inhibition of free and frank provision of advice) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have 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 officials to have a private space within which to discuss issues before the Scottish Government reaches a settled public view.

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. We recognise that there is a public interest in disclosing information as part of open, transparent and accountable government, and to inform public debate. However, there is a greater public interest in allowing Ministers and officials a private space within which to communicate as part of the process of exploring and refining the Government's position, until the Government as a whole can adopt a decision that is sound and likely to be effective.

About FOI

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FOI 1601764 - Email Correspondence.pdf

File type

1 page PDF

File size

21.9 kB