§ Dr. McDonaldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why he has not published the findings of the research commissioned from Social and Community 774W Planning Research into child benefit in the background papers to the "Green Paper on the "Reform of Social Security."
§ Mr. Newton[pursuant to his reply, 13 June 1985, c. 560]: We did not publish this survey because of the decision to incorporate in Volume 3 of the Social Security Green Paper an extensive summary of the much wider survey conducted by Gallup of public attitudes to social security issues, including child benefit. We also arranged for the publication by Gallup of the complete survey.
The study by Social and Community Planning Research (SCPR) was of a more limited character, involving group discussions and interviews with only 104 people, and was designed to give an indication of attitudes rather than statistical evidence. It did not therefore attempt any statistical analyses, though its findings on child benefit are consistent with those of the Gallup survey.
We have no objection to SCPR making the survey available if they wish; and in view of the hon. Member's interest I will arrange for a copy to be placed in the Library as soon as it is available.