§ Dr. HarrisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many research contracts have been let by his Department since May 1997; what is the value of each contract; and in each case whether the contract included(a) a departmental veto over publication of the research results, (b) departmental control over the date of publication of the research results and (c) a requirement that the final research results incorporate departmental amendments. [100151]
§ Mr. Straw[holding answer 6 December 1999]: The Home Office commissions social research externally to support its work on development and evaluation of policy. There is no veto over the publication of the results except where there are security implications for the Department or other Home Office Agencies; there is an expectation that the research will usually be published with departmental consent. Consultancies are used primarily for the peer review of research data and quality control. In each case, Home Office staff will agree with the contractor the arrangements for publication including its timing. The Home Office may comment on the style and detail of results that are presented in departmental publications. With departmental agreement contractors may, and are often encouraged to make their own arrangements for external publication. Copyright remains with the Home Office.
The Home Office also undertakes a range of scientific research. There is no veto over the publication of the results, except where there are security implications for the Department, and no departmental control over the date of publication, other than the Department requiring a period after the submission of the final report for quality assurance. There is no requirement that the final results incorporate departmental amendments save those necessary to correct factual inaccuracies.
A copy of the table showing the information available centrally on research contracts let has been placed in the Library.