§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many market research and sample surveys were carried out by or for his Department in the last 12 months; what was the cost of each; what was the total cost; how many were carried out in house; how many were carried out for his Department by outside organisations; and what percentage of the total expenditure was paid to outside organisations.
§ Mr. WaddingtonFifteen surveys which meet the description of sample population surveys rather than market research surveys were carried out for or by the Home Department in the past 12 months. The total cost was £419,100. Three surveys were carried out in house at a cost of £5,000. Seven projects were carried out by outside organisations on behalf of the research and planning unit (RPU), and one project for the statistical department. Four projects were commissioned by the Central Office of Information for the public relations branch. Ninety-nine per cent. of total expenditure (discounting associated internal management costs) was paid to outside organistions.