Our appeal to the Information Commissioner regarding the Office for Government Commerce Gateway Reviews of the Home Office Identity Cards Programme is slowly progressing.
Complaints Resolution Officer:
"In order to properly investigate this matter and reach a well informed decision I have requested they provide me with a copy of the withheld information. I have also raised a number of issues with them regarding their application of the exemptions and the public interest test."
So at least someone else will get to read these now out of date Gateway Reviews, and there might be some criticisism of the overalll "Sir Humphrey" policy with respect to Gateway Reviews in general.
"Information CommissionerWycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Tel: 01625 547000
Fax: 01625 524510
e-,aiil: mail@ico-gsi,gov.uk
Website: www.information commissioner.gov.uk[Addrees]
10th June 2005
Ref: AAAnnnnnnn
Freedom of Information Act Request
I refer to the complaint you have mmade to this office in relation to your request forr information from the Office of Government Commerce (OGC). I apologise for the delay in responding to you. This is due to the volume of correspondence currently being received by this office.
I note you have requested the two pre-stage zero and the actual stage zero gateway reviews of the identity cards programme being run by the Home Office.
In response you have been provided with limited information but in relation to the remainder of the information OGC have applied s.22 and s.35 exemptions. After consideration of the public imnterest test OGC have decided on balance that the information should be withheld. This decision has been upheld by them following an internal review.
In order to properly investigate this matter and reach a well informed decision I have requested they priovide me with a copy of the withheld information. I have also raised a number of issues with them regarding their application of the exemptions and the public interest test.
Once in receipt of their reply I will then be able to fully investigate your complaint and will contact you again when I am in a position to make a decision. This process will take some time to ensure the complaint is properly and thoroughly investigated. Should you have any issues you wish to raise in the meantime please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours Sincerely
AAAA BBBB
Complaints Resolution Officer"
