Louisa Herbs

Email: [FOI #4352 email]

Reference: FOICR 10657/08

19 December 2008

Dear Ms Herbs,

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST

Thank you for your email of 24 November in which you ask for information about the National Identity Scheme.

Please tell me what is the approximate timetable for the roll-out of implantable micro-chips to replace or supplement plastic identity cards

There are no plans relating to “implantable micro- chips”. Furthermore, we believe that information on the rollout of identity cards is already reasonably accessible to you on the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) website on the following link: http://www.ips.gsi.gov.uk

For example information is available in the document entitled Identity Cards Act Secondary Legislation: A Consultation http://www.ips.gov.uk/identity/downloads/NIS_Legislation.pdf

Section 21 of the Freedom of Information Act exempts IPS from complying with the duty to supply you with information on the roll out of identity cards on the grounds that it is already in the public domain. Should you have difficulties in accessing this information by the means listed above please do not hesitate to contact me again.

If you are dissatisfied with this response you may request an independent internal review of our decision by submitting your complaint to the address below and quoting the reference FOICR 10657:

Information Rights Team
Information and Record 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 members of 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.

Yours faithfully,

On behalf of James Hall, Chief Executive and Registrar General

Identity and Passport Service

Passport Adviceline: 0300 222 0000 (24 hours a day, seven days a week).

Email us at [Identity & Passport Service request email]. Visit our website at www.ips.gov.uk.

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Headquarters

Parliamentary & Correspondence Management Team

8^th Floor, Globe House

89 Eccleston Square

London

SW1V 1PN

Tel (0300) 222 0000

Fax (0870) 336 9175

Email [Identity & Passport Service request email]

Web www.ips.gov.uk