To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office pursuant to the answer to the right hon. Member for Horsham of 24 February 2010, Official Report, column 603W, on departmental freedom of information, what target her Department has set to respond to correspondence (a) which makes a request for assistance under section 16 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and (b) correspondence asking about the status of a freedom of information request which has already been submitted. [322920]

The Cabinet Office responds to requests in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the detailed guidance available on the Ministry of Justice’s website:

http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/foi-procedural-assistance.htm

Requests must be responded to promptly or in any event not later than 20 working days following receipt. In certain circumstances this 20 working day deadline can be extended.