§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) when he expects the study of social surveys by Merchant and Boreham to be published;
(2) what is his policy towards the report by Sir John Boreham on the future of ad hoc social surveys and if he intends to publish them; and what representations have been made to him regarding the future of ad hoc social surveys, and by whom.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergThe report "The Commissioning of ad hoc social surveys" made in September 1981 by Mr. J. R. Merchant has not been published, but copies may be obtained by interested persons and organisations. I am sending a copy to the hon. Member.
I am awaiting advice on the future of ad hoc social surveys from Sir John Boreham and the Registrar General. When I have considered it, I shall announce my decisions.
A list of those who were invited to comment on Mr. Merchant's report was given in my reply to the right hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe (Mr. Morris) on 23 February 1982.—[Vol. 18, c. 348–49.]