14 December 2009

Reference: 09/265

Dear Mr Andrews,

I am writing to advise you that the time limit for responding to your request for information, which the NIO has interpreted as only relating to the 2009 equal pay claim and which we received on 17 November 2009, (insert date) needs to be extended.

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives you two rights of access when you write to us asking for information. You have the right to know whether we hold the information that you are looking for, and you have the right to have the information given to you. These rights may only be overridden if the information you are looking for is covered by an exemption in the Act.

I can confirm that the NIO does hold some information relating to your request; however it is covered by the following qualified exemptions;

Section 35 - Formulation of Government Policy

Section 36 - Prejudice to the effective conduct of public affairs

When these exemptions are applied, we are required to consider whether the public interest in withholding information outweighs the public interest in releasing it. Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 we are obliged to respond to your request within twenty working days. However where an authority has to consider the public interest test under the Act, a short delay is permissible. We expect to be in a position to provide a response by 29 January 2010. If this situation changes, we will inform you.

If you believe our final response is not in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 2000 you may ask for an internal review within two calendar months of the date of our final response. If you request a review you should do so in writing stating the reasons.

If following an internal review you were to remain dissatisfied you may make a complaint to the Information Commissioner and ask him to investigate whether the NIO has complied with the terms of the FOIA. You can write to the Information Commissioner at:

The Commissioner will not investigate a complaint unless an internal review procedure has been carried out.

Further details on the role of the Information Commissioner and the handling of appeals can be found at:

If you have any queries concerning your request please contact the Freedom of Information Team using the contact details provided at the top of the page. Please remember to quote your reference in any correspondence.

Yours sincerely

Freedom of Information Manager

Northern Ireland Office

Freedom of Information Team

Annex A

Dundonald House

Stormont Estate

Belfast

BT4 3SU

Telephone 028 90765841

Email: [NIO request email]

Northern Ireland Office

Freedom of Information Team

Annex A

Dundonald House

Stormont Estate

Belfast

BT4 3SU

Telephone 028 90765841

Email: [NIO request email]

Freedom of Information Team