§ Mr. FabricantTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the projects undertaken by his Department since 1 May 1997 to research public reaction to(a) Government policies and (b) potential new policies; and if he will place the results of the research in the Library. [46687]
§ Mr. Ron DaviesIn line with the practice of successive Administrations, the Department routinely consults the public, interested parties and client groups by way of consultation papers, White Papers and discussion groups on a wide range of policies and proposed legislation. I have therefore confined my reply to 3 major exercises.
Between March and June 1998 a major consultation exercise was conducted inviting views on "Modernising Local Government in Wales". A series of 7 consultation papers, which were placed in the Library of the House has attracted over 200 responses to date. When all the responses have been received and analysed, the analysis and copies of all responses will be placed in the Library. The results of the consultation will inform the White Paper I intend to publish in the summer.
147WThree pieces of research have been conducted since 1 May 1997 in relation to the National Assembly for Wales. In June 1997 qualitative research was carried out to help determine the most effective cover for the Devolution White Paper. In April 1997 quantitative tracking research was used to establish shifts in awareness in the run up to the Referendum in Wales. In March—April 1998 qualitative research was conducted among the general public to explore information needs in relation to the forthcoming National Assembly elections.
A public consultation exercise was undertaken by the Welsh Consumer Council on behalf of the Welsh Office to gauge views relating to the production of a new Patient's Charter for Wales. The results will be published in the Autumn.