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

Mr Michael Bimmler

09 January 2009

Freedom of Information Request - Our ref: 10641

Dear Mr Bimmler

Further to my letter of 12 December 2008 I regret that I am unable to send you a full response to your request within the 20 working days extension, as required by the Freedom of Information Act.

This is because we are currently assessing the Public Interest in releasing the information relating to your request. We are doing so under section 35(1) (a) Formulation of Government Policy. I would like to apologise for the added delay and for any inconvenience that this may cause.

I would also like to assure you that we are dealing with your request as a matter of urgency, and that we will send you a full reply as soon as possible. We now aim to send you a full reply by 12 February 2009.

If you have any queries about the handling of your information request in the meantime then please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely

J Fanshaw