§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place copies of the results of all market and opinion research carried out by his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies since May 1997, in the Library. [123810]
§ Mr. StrawI refer to the reply I gave the hon. Member on 19 July 1999,Official Report, columns 391–92W, giving details of market and opinion research undertaken by my Department. I propose to write to the hon. Member further as soon as my officials are able to update the available information and I will place a copy of the letter in the Library. I also refer to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Oxford, West and Abingdon (Dr. Harris) on 9 February 2000, Official Report, columns 164–65W, which covers publication of research commissioned by my Department.
The Department conducts or commissions market or opinion research only when it is justified by the specific needs of a particular policy or programme and this is the most economical, efficient and effective way to achieve the purpose. Consulting and involving the public helps inform both policy formulation and the delivery of better quality public services.