§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how he proposes to ensure the success of the recently published Government official statistics code of practice regarding public access to official statistics through libraries and other public archives. [22610]
§ Mr. NelsonStatisticians in all Government Departments act on the guidelines contained within the official statistics code of practice. A series of inter-departmental committees help to co-ordinate these activities and to share best practices. The Government statistical service dissemination committee covers public access issues and to this end has links with the committee of librarians and statisticians.
The central statistical office is strongly committed to increasing the availability of its statistics to schools, libraries and the academic world. Through its library extension and education programme it has a valuable 456W programme of assistance including provision of information, advice and assistance. The CSO will also be co-operating with the British Library for the improved provision of archival material. The CSO also plans a public access library for its new Drummond Gate site in London.