§ Lord Marlesfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they accept that the 1995 edition of the Civil Service Year Book contains numerous errors; and, if so, whether they consider that this edition meets the high standards expected of the Civil Service, and what steps they will take to ensure that the next edition is more accurate.
The Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Earl Howe)The 1995 edition of the Civil Service Year Book was published by HMSO on behalf of the Cabinet Office, and is the most comprehensive so far produced. The wide-ranging information provided by government departments and agencies was validated as far as possible, and professionally edited. Nevertheless, HMSO acknowledges that there are some inaccuracies in this complex directory.
HMSO intends to enhance its database software and style rules in order to minimise the risk of inaccuracies and improve the standard of presentation of future editions. Meanwhile, it would be pleased to hear of any specific errors which need to be corrected for the next edition.