§ Mr. SoamesTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he intends to take to improve the quality and accuracy of Government statistics. [15082]
§ Mrs. LiddellThe Government places great importance on the quality and reliability of official statistics to guide and monitor policy and to inform the public about social and economic matters. The Government Statistical Service is constantly looking for ways to improve the quality of the statistics produced, within the constraints of available resources. It is vital that official statistics also command widespread public confidence. Accordingly, we shall be taking forward our manifesto commitment to the creation of an independent National Statistical Service, and an announcement will be made in due course.