Dates and minutes of Ministers and Officials meetings with Heathrow Airport: FOI release

Information requested

On what dates have (a) ministers or (b) officials met Heathrow Airport since 4 July 2023? Please provide a copy of the minutes of these and any other documents or correspondence since that date relating to Heathrow Airport, including internal discussions.

Response

There have been no meetings between Ministers or Officials and Heathrow Airport in the period of your request.

I enclose a copy of some of the information you have requested. 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 an exemption under section 38(1)(b) (Personal Details) of FOISA, or an exemption under section 30(b)(ii) of FOISA (free and frank exchange of views) of FOISA applies to that information. The reason why these exemptions apply are explained in the Annex to this letter. Information out of scope has also been redacted.

Annex

Reasons for not providing information

An exemption applies

An exemption under section 38(1)(b) of FOISA (personal information) applies to some of the information requested because it is personal data, i.e. names and contact details of individuals, and disclosing this would contravene the data protection principles on Schedule 1 of the Data Protection Act 1998. This exemption 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.

An exemption under section 30(b)(ii) of FOISA (free and frank exchange of views) 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 officials to have a private space within which to discuss matters in relation to Heathrow Airport. Disclosing the content of these discussions could lead to officials being reluctant to provide their views fully and frankly if they believe that those views are likely to be made public.

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. However, there is a greater public interest in allowing officials a private space within which to communicate with each other. This private space is essential so that good policy decisions can be taken based on fully informed advice and evidence.

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 202400423985 - Information released - Annex

File type

34 page PDF

File size

2.0 MB