§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many market research and sample surveys were carried our by or for his Department in the last 12 months; what was the cost of each; what was the total cost; how many were carried out in house; how many were carried out for his Department by outside organisations; and what, percentage of the total expenditure was paid to outside organisations.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardThe latest period for which information is available is from 1 April 1988 to 31 March 1989. During this period, 35 market research, sample surveys and similar studies were carried out on behalf of the Department. None was carried out in-house. The costs involved were:
Number Under £5,000 6 £5,000 to £10,000 6 £10,000 to £20,000 13 £20,000 to £30,000 4 Over £30,000 6 Total cost = £1,257,896.
Note: These studies were at differing stages of development—riot all involved client interface during 1988–89.
The Department also sponsors part of the social policy research unit at York university. They were involved in seven studies during 1988–89 at a total cost of £184,363.50.