UK FOIA requests - Spy Blog: Home Office email re ID Card OGC Gateway Reviews request after 16 working days

We have had an email reply from the Home Office, after 16 working days, for our FOIA request regarding the Identity Card OGC Gateway Reviews. This is essentially similar to the reply we had from the Office of Government Commerce, saying that they cannot fulfill this by the requested date i.e. last Friday 21st January, but leaving open the chance that they might succeed in replying within the statutory 20 working days.

The email reply from the Home Office:

"Subject: Freedom of Information Request Date: Tue, 25 Jan 2005 10:56:55 -0000 Return-Receipt-To: BBB AAA
Dear Mr XXX

Thank you for your email dated 1 January 2005 and received by the Home
Office on 4 January 2005 in which you ask for information on the Gateway Reviews of the Identity Card Programme. Your request is being handled in accordance with the terms of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 as an information request. We aim to send substantive replies to requests within 20 working days.

You requested the information no later than Tuesday 1 February with a
preference for earlier receipt. I am sorry that we have been unable to meet your preference on this occasion. We will contact you again if we are unable to respond within the 20 working days set out in the Freedom of Information Act.

Yours sincerely

AAA BBB

Identity Cards Programme

Allington Towers

19 Allington Street

London SW1E 5EB

0207 nnn nnnn"