3^rd February 2010

Mr Harding

Dear Mr Harding

I refer to your Freedom of Information request received by this force via email on 5^th December 2009 and your request for a review of the force's response.

I have considered your request and reviewed the force's response. I concur with the response provided by the Information Standards Manager. Your request is very specific in terms of geographical location and BTP has responded confirming that a Section 44 Authority was in force covering parts of Cheshire.

In refusing your request I rely on Section 23 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I believe there would be harm in disclosing further detail. I also rely on Section 24 of the same Act. There is a real threat of terrorist activity and the Police Service has a duty to protect the public. To go into specific detail has the potential to undermine the security of this country.

I am sure you are aware that terrorist outrages have occurred or been attempted on the rail network. The use of Section 44 provides protection to the public in countering that threat.

In relation to my decision above, if you are still not happy, you can contact the Information Commissioner at the following address:

Information Commissioner's Office

Wyecliffe House

Water Lane

Wilmslow

Cheshire

SK9 5AF

Yours sincerely,

RESTRICTED

RESTRICTED

Eamonn Carroll

Detective Chief Superintendent, Head of Professional Standards Department, Professional Standards Department

British Transport Police

25 Camden Road, London NW1 9LN

email [email address] direct 0207 830 8855 fax 0207 830 6723