HL Deb 21 October 1986 vol 481 c263WA
Lord Jenkins of Putney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their answer to the charges as reported by the Guardian on 13th August 1986, of delay and concealment of government statistics when these reflect disadvantageously on the Government's record.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health and Social Security (Baroness Trumpington)

Her Majesty's Government are concerned that official statistics should be prepared with due regard for accuracy, cost-effectiveness and promptness. It would not be appropriate to comment in detail on views expressed by a journalist in a newspaper article.