§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what reductions have taken place in the statistical services available to his Department; what statistics previously available will either (a) no longer be available, or (b) be available in a modified form; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe need for statistical work in my Department is always under review but since 1979 has been the subject of particularly close examination in view of the Government's commitment to reduce the burden they place on those outside in providing statistical information. As a result, some surveys have been dispensed with and others simplified. My Department was also included in Sir Derek Rayner's review of Government statistical services, the review officers's report on which recognised these economies and proposed further changes. These are set out in the review officer's report which, together with my action statement on it, has been issued and a copy placed in the Library.
The review officer's recommendations sought to redefine the principal areas in which my Department's efforts should be concentrated, and I am satisfied that those recommendations, which I have accepted, will not result in any loss of essential statistics required by the Government in the food and agricultural sectors.