§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the research projects(a) being undertaken and (b) recently commissioned by his Department; and if he will make statement.[126555]
§ Mr. StrawMy Department undertakes a wide range of research activities that support the development of information-led policy, including scientific and engineering research, market and opinion research and social research.
My Research, Development and Statistics Directorate conduct social research supporting all seven Home Office aims. I have placed a copy of the Directorate's work programme for this financial year in the Library and it will be made available on the Home Office website later this month.
98WThe Fire Research and Development Group (FRDG) undertake research in support of Home Office aim seven. I have placed a copy of a table showing the current and planned FRDG research projects in the Library.
For the available information on market and opinion research, I refer to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Bath (Mr. Foster), on 8 June 2000, Official Report, columns 373–74W. In addition to this my Department is currently undertaking the following research:
What else works"—for aim four, reducing in reoffending. Research commissioned from the University of York to examine effective psychological models, other than cognitive behavioural methods, for reducing reoffending which, on the basis of academic research have the potential for application with an offender population, and which address the gaps in current practice.Fire Service efficiency, Control and Communications—An evaluation of issues related to the future provision of fire service control rooms and radio communications.Two research projects commissioned by the Assessment and Consultancy Unit (ACU) to establish the reliability and validity of its assessment centres for the police Accelerated Promotion scheme.An assessment of the fairness of the Police Initial Recruit Tests for applicants from ethnic minorities.