Direct Communications Unit

2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF

Switchboard 020 7035 4848 Fax: 020 7035 4745 Textphone: 020 7035 4742

E-mail: [Home Office request email] Website: www.homeoffice.gov.uk

[FOI #18203 email]

Mr Robert McKenzie

Reference: T16382/9

Dear Mr McKenzie,

Thank you for your e-mail of 18/09/2009 15:07:24.

You have asked for certain statistics on prosecutions and convictions `Since Internet monitoring was introduced'. I would like to draw your attention to the fact that `Internet monitoring' has not been introduced by the Government and there are no plans to introduce `Internet monitoring'.

You might be interested to refer to the Home Office Statistical Bulletin on Terrorism Arrests and Outcomes which was published on 13 May 2009. The Bulletin contains data relating to S1 & S2 of the Terrorism Act 2006 which includes offences relating to use of the Internet for terrorism purposes. The Home Office does not hold specific information as to whether Internet usage was key evidence in those trials or in achieving the convictions. I suggest that you direct a request for this information to the Crown Prosecution Service. A link to the Home Office Statistical Bulletin is pasted below.

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs09/hosb0409.pdf

Similarly, your request for specific information on those prosecuted for crimes not related to `anti terror legislation' where `Internet usage' was `key evidence' should be directed to the Crown Prosecution Service. The Home Office does not collate data to this level of detail.

If you are dissatisfied with this response you may request an independent internal review of our handling of your request by submitting your complaint within two months to the below address quoting reference 13026.

Information Rights Team
Information Management Service
Home Office
4th Floor, Seacole Building
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF

Email: [email address]

During the independent review the department's handling of your information request will be reassessed by staff who were not involved in providing you with this response. Should you remain dissatisfied after this internal review, you will have a right of complaint to the Information Commissioner as established by section 50 of the Freedom of Information Act.

I hope the above is of use.

Yours sincerely

J FANSHAW