HL Deb 05 October 1998 vol 593 cc81-2WA
Lord Cocks of Hartcliffe

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many focus groups were used by the independent commission on the electoral system; how often they met, and where; and how they were recruited and reimbursed. [HL3302]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

NOP carried out focus group work for the Independent Commission on the Voting System between 7 and 9 June 1998. Six groups (three in the Midlands and three in the South East) each comprising between seven and eight respondents were recruited using a questionnaire. Those whose occupations or political interests were likely to involve prior knowledge of proportional representation were excluded. The respondents were each paid £20 for their time by NOP.