Unfortunately, it seems the Scottish Executive are failing to keep adequate records of what their elected representatives are eating for the most important meal of the day. I received this reply today from his Deputy Private Secretary Michael McElhinney:






15th November 2005



Thank you for your request for information under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) of 9th November 2005.

You requested information about what the First Minister Jack McConnell had for breakfast on Wednesday 9th November 2005.

The information you have requested is not held by the Scottish Executive. I am sorry we are unable to assist with your enquiry. If you are unhappy with this response to your request, you may ask us to carry out an internal review, by writing to the Permanent Secretary, John Elvidge, St Andrews House, Regent Road, EH1 3DG. Your request should explain why you wish a review to be carried out, and should be made within 40 working days of receipt of this letter, and we will reply within 20 working days of receipt. The review will be undertaken by staff not involved with your original request. If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to make a formal complaint to the Scottish Information Commissioner.



MICHAEL McELHINNEY
Deputy Private Secretary

Following my success with the Royal Mail, today I sent the following letter to the Freedom of Information department at the Scottish Executive:



Scottish Executive
The Scottish Executive
St Andrew's House
EDINBURGH
EH1 3DG

November 9, 2005


Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to make an open government request for all the information to which I am entitled under the freedom of information act. In order to assist you with this request, I am outlining my query as specifically as possible. If however this request is too wide or too unclear, I would be grateful if you could contact me as I understand that under the act, you are required to advise and assist requesters.

I would like to know what First Minister Jack McConnell had for breakfast this morning (Wednesday, November 9, 2005).

I understand that under the act, I should be entitled to a response within 20 working days. I would be grateful if you could confirm in writing that you have received this request. If possible I would prefer to receive correspondence by e-mail.

I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Yours,


Norbert Young

I received the following reply from Colin Young at Royal Mail today. A sterling service all round:

Dear Mr Young

Thank you for your request for information received 1 November 2005. You
requested the cost of a 1st class stamp.

1st class post costs just 30p for sending inland letters and packages
weighing up to 60g. Further details of Postal Prices for first class and
other services can be found on our website using the links below.

First Class:
http://www.royalmail.com/portal/rm/jump2?catId=400028&mediaId=400029&_requestid=82630

Other Postal Prices:
http://www.royalmail.com/portal/rm/content1?catId=400023&mediaId=9300094

If you have any queries or concerns please let me know.

Yours sincerely

Colin Young
Freedom of Information Unit
Company Secretary's Office
foi@royalmail.com

Royal Mail is a trading name of Royal Mail Group plc. Registered in England
and Wales.
Registered number 4138203. Registered office at 148 Old Street, LONDON EC1V
9HQ

Today I made the following request to Royal Mail under the Freedom of Information Act. It was made using the on-line application form on their website (http://www.royalmailgroup.com/contactus/publication_scheme_30.asp).



I am writing to make an open government request for all the information to which I am entitled under the freedom of information act. In order to assist you with this request, I am outlining my query as specifically as possible. If however this request is too wide or too unclear, I would be grateful if you could contact me as I understand that under the act, you are required to advise and assist requesters.

I would like to know the cost of a first-class stamp.

I understand that under the act, I should be entitled to a response within 20 working days. I would be grateful if you could confirm in writing that you have received this request. If possible I would prefer to receive correspondence by e-mail.

I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.