HC Deb 08 February 1989 vol 146 cc684-5W
Mr. Sillars

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many market research studies of the National Health Service have been commissioned since 1979; which companies undertook them; what the remit was in each case; and what the budget was in each case.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

The only market research study undertaken nationally has been the survey recently carried out by Research Surveys of Great Britain Ltd. at a cost of £105,000 plus VAT. The study was designed to investigate consumers' experience of and attitudes to the National Health Service, and to discover whether, and if so how, the public wish the service to change.

Mr. Sillars

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which company or body is conducting the present market research study of the National Health Service in Scotland; and whether the sample size is drawn from the general public or from within the National Health Service itself.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

The company which conducted the study is Research Surveys of Great Britain Ltd. The sample was designed to include in-patients, out-patients, GP patients and the general public.