Why Are We Waiting?


I am sorry to say that I think the Scottish Government may be going to the dogs - or at least that part of the great edifice which is responsible for dealing with FOI (Freedom of Information) requests.

I have now written to the head of the civil service in Scotland - Sir Peter Housden - in the hope that this knight of the realm can come to my rescue - by delivering a well aimed boot up the backside of his FOI team.

Because while I can understand the occasional missed deadline - due to unforeseen circumstances that are beyond people's control - I cannot even begin to understand the sheer rudeness involved in telling members of the public that they will simply have to wait.

We are talking here, of course, about Government legislation which has time limits built into the FOI regime for good reason - one of them being that public bodies, including the Scottish Government, can't just make up the rules or extend deadlines to suit themselves, as they go along.

I only hope that Sir Peter manages to persuade his FOI staff to take the whole business a good deal more seriously - because, if not, my next port of call will be to the Scottish Information Commissioner (SIC).         

Dear Sir Peter

FOISA Complaint

I would like to register a complaint with you over the Scottish Government's failure to respond to a FOISA request which should have been answered by no later than 1 May 2013.

I have been in touch with one of your staff, Samantha Groessler, who is unable to provide me with any sensible indication of how much longer it will take to provide this information despite the fact that the Scottish Government's response is now more than three weeks overdue.

I have to say I find it quite remarkable that the Scottish Government is capable of behaving in such a cavalier manner and would be grateful if you could look into this matter on my behalf.

I look forward to your reply.

Kind regards



Mark Irvine

Why Are We Waiting? (15 May 2013)

I submitted an FOI request to Scottish Ministers back on 3 April 2013 and I was due to receive a response by 1 May 2013 - which I did.

But only to say that the Scottish Government could not provide me with the information I had requested within the 28 day deadline - set down under the legislation - because of staffing problems.

Now I replied saying OK, I'm a reasonable guy - though when exactly was I going to receive this information - since sometime 'soon' sounded all rather vague and unsatisfactory from my point of view.

So I suggested an extended deadline of today which has come and gone and still no substantive response has arrived - two weeks after the original deadline - which means that I am going to publicise my frustration at this ridiculous state of affairs.

As well as approching the Scottish Information Commissioner (SIC) - to see if they have any advice on how best to proceed.

My other bright idea was to contact the Scottish Labour Leader - Johann Lamont - to see if she wants to take up my 'Waiting Time' case.

Because I thought that as it's the 'nasty' SNP Government involved - as opposed to a friendly Labour council - that Johann might want to give them a darn good talking to and a well deserved piece of her mind.

What do you think?

3 April 2013


Dear Scottish Ministers

FOISA Request

I would like to make the following request under the Freedom of Information Scotland Act 2002.

1.What was the total amount in fees claimed by the 'expert panel' set up to advise the Scottish Government on matters of press and media regulation in the wake of the Leveson Report?

2.What was the total amount in expenses claimed by the 'expert panel' set up to advise the Scottish Government on matters of press and media regulation in the wake of the Leveson Report?

3.What were the individual amounts claimed by each member of the 'expert panel' during its lifetime and how many meetings did each member attend?

Please treat these three requests as individual requests under the 2002 Act.

I look forward to your reply and would be grateful if you could respond by e-mail to me at: markirvine@compuserve.com


Kind regards



Mark Irvine

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