HC Deb 09 February 2000 vol 344 cc164-5W
Dr. Harris

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 20 December 1999,Official Report, column 373W, what restrictions were placed on contractors carrying out research projects funded by his Department in 1999 in respect of them discussing their findings with journalists (a) before and (b) after publication. [108197]

Mr. Straw

The terms and conditions with regard to publicity about research projects undertaken by contractors on behalf of the Home Office vary depending upon the detailed circumstances of the contract. As a rule, research contracts with the Home Office require contractors not to make public statements concerning the work without the prior consent of the Department. In practice, this usually means that contractors do not discuss findings of research before publication but are free to do so afterwards. I am committed to ensuring that any research commissioned by my Department is published once it has been properly validated (save in subject areas where the protection of national security or the prevention of serious crime require that the research can only be used for internal purposes). I have agreed a protocol with my Director of Research governing the publication of the Home Office research reports. I have placed a copy in the Library.