HC Deb 23 June 1977 vol 933 cc559-60W
Mr. David Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Trade within what margin of error the results of the statistical inquiry into catering being carried out by the Business Statistics Office for 1977 is expected to fall in respect of each question being asked.

Mr. Meacher

Realistic estimates cannot be made until after the results are processed. It is possible to calculate a theoretic margin of error for VAT turnover based on the sample design, which is 0021 per cent., but this is no guide at all to the realised margin of error because the latter will depend on the size and pattern of response rates. An indication of the reliability of the estimates will be published with the results of the inquiry.

Mr. David Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what charges are made by the Business Statistics Office to market researchers and to some catering trade users referred to in the Written Answer, Official Report, 9th May, column 340, in respect of the breakdown of turnover by commodity groups.

Mr. Meacher

No charges are made by the Business Statistics Office in respect of the breakdown of turnover by commodity groups since it will be included in the published results of the inquiry.