Heathrow Airport and Prestwick Airport: FOI release

Information requested

1. Please provide a copy of any extracts of documents which refer to the Scottish Government’s relationship with Heathrow Airport and which the Scottish Government has made available to either (a) advertise the sale of Prestwick Airport or (b) progress the sale of Prestwick Airport with companies that are subsequently considered (i) a credible expression of interest or (ii) a preferred buyer. Please include any brochures or other such briefing documents, email correspondence or written assurances provided.

2. Has the Scottish Government (a) informed Heathrow Airport of the identity of, or (b) facilitated any meetings between Heathrow Airport and any (i) interested parties, (ii) credible expressions of interest or (iii) preferred buyers of Prestwick Airport. If so, please provide the date on which this occurred and all associated documentation.

Response

In response to part one of your request, I enclose a copy of the information you requested in the form of an extract document.

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 exemptions under sections 33(1)(b) - Substantial prejudice to commercial interests and 38(1)(b) - Third party personal data of FOISA applies to that information.

Exemption 38(1)(b) applies as it contains information that could be used to identify individuals. Exemption 33(1)(b) applies as it contains commercial information in relation to Prestwick Airport’s Heathrow Logistics Hub work. Some other text has been redacted as this is out with the scope of your request.

Exemption 33(1)(b) 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 may be some public interest in information related to Prestwick Airport’s Heathrow Logistics Hub work, however this is outweighed by the public interest in not releasing any information that could impact on Prestwick Airport’s bid.

Exemption 38(1)(b) is not subject to the 'public interest test', so we are not required to consider if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption.

The answer to part two of your request is no.

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.

FOI 202200280819 - Information released

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4 page PDF

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