gov.scot website: decision to withhold publication of responses to FOI requests

The request was successful.

Dear Scottish Government,

I understand that the Scottish Government has a policy of not publishing responses to Freedom of Information Requests on its website when information is withheld or information is not held -examples are responses to FOI requests 18/2771 and 18/2772 relating to Burntisland Fabrications Limited where information is being withheld. Clearly there is a public interest argument for publishing that information is being withheld and information is not held as part of a transparent and accountable government. Please provide (A) the position of the official within the Scottish Government who has made the decision not to publish FOI responses where information is withheld or not held and (B) all related correspondence from that official setting out the policy.

Please acknowledge receipt of my FOI request

Yours faithfully,

Mr Paterson

Scottish Government

1 Attachment

Dear Mr Paterson

 

Thank you for your request dated 1^st November 2018 for:

(A) the position of the official within the Scottish Government who has
made the decision not to publish FOI responses where information is
withheld or not held and (B) all related correspondence from that official
setting out the policy.

 

I enclose a copy of our response to your request.

 

Kind regards

Sarah

 

Sarah Walkinshaw | Lead Caseworker | Freedom of Information Unit |
Scottish Government | 2W | St Andrews House | Regent Road | Edinburgh |
EH1 3DG.      

 

 

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Dear Scottish Government,

Message for Sarah Walkinshaw

Thank you very much for your prompt response to my request confirming that there is no formal policy but and implied policy regarding the withholding of the publication of responses to certain FOI requests.

Yours faithfully,

Mr Paterson