§ Mr. ClappisonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list for(a) 1992–93, (b) 1993–94, (c) 1994–95, (d) 1995–96, (e) 1996–97, (f) 1997–98, (g) 1998–99, (h) 1999–2000 and (i) 2000–01, (I) his Department's total spending on quantitative and qualitative surveys of policy issues by focus groups, opinion polling, task forces or other means and (II) the cost of each individual project. [146590]
§ Ms StuartCopies of research reports are not routinely placed in the Library although a list giving details of market and opinion research undertaken by my Department is made available. A list of research projects carried out by the Department in the financial year 1999–2000 was placed in the Library in May 2000. A list of research projects in 2000–01 will be placed in the Library. These lists may not include all research projects, as some information is not centrally available.
A list of the Department's total spending for quantitative and qualitative surveys of policy issues by focus groups, opinion polling, task forces or other means and the cost of each individual project for the years 1992–2001 could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
We are committed to consulting and involving the public to help inform both policy formulation and the delivery of better quality public service. Responsive public services are an important part of the Modernising Government initiative.
We only conduct or commission market or opinion research when it is justified by the needs of the policy or programme and is the most economical, efficient and effective way to achieve the purpose.