Dear Mr Stacey

Internal Review- Freedom of Information Request

I write in response to the Internal Review request you made on 28 April 2009 in relation to a Freedom of Information request dated 17 March 2009. Your Internal Review has been handed to me as I deal with Internal Reviews relating to the prison service. I have conducted an Internal Review of your case and I hope you find my conclusions adequately clarify the status of your Freedom of Inofrmation enquiry.

Your request for information, relating to monies paid to Nacro by the Prison Service, contains questions which require a person with knowledge specific to this area to assess your questions. This has entailed a high degree of cross communication within the Ministry of Justice and, unfortunately, has led to an increased delay in responding to your request.

Further delay has been caused, in part, by an unusually high volume of requests for information and some legacy issues. I am pleased to say that we have made a number of changes which I hope will improve our service. The Information Commissioner is aware of the difficulties the unit has faced and is monitoring these changes. I understand, following this Internal Review, that an answer to your Freedom of Information request is in the process of being prepared and a response will be sent to you as soon as possible.

I hope my explanation has been able to offer you some clarity as to why there has been a delay in responding to your Freedom of Information request. If you are dissatisfied with the result of your Internal Review, you have the right to apply to the Information Commissioner's Office under Section 50 of the FOIA. You can contact the Information Commissioner's Office at the following address:

Information Commissioner's Office

Wycliffe House

Water Lane

Wilmslow

Cheshire

SK9 5AF

Internet: https://www.ico.gov.uk/Global/contact_us.aspx

Yours sincerely

Hannah Wright

Data Access & Compliance Unit