§ Mr. OatenTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much revenue has been raised by projects undertaken by the People's Panel for clients other than his own Department for each financial year for which the figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [2679]
§ Mr. LeslieThe People's Panel is not intended to raise revenue for the Government. For clients other than the Cabinet Office, the costs of research undertaken using the People's Panel were none in 1998–99; £126,150 in 1999–2000; and £187,515 in 2000–01. These costs are essentially composed of fees to MORI, which conducts research through the Panel on behalf of the Government.
§ Mr. OatenTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister by what process he ensures that other Departments follow Cabinet Office guidelines on publication of research into public opinion and attitudes; and if he will make a statement. [2680]
§ Mr. LeslieGuidance on Government Research into Public Attitudes and Opinion was published in May 2000 and is available on the Cabinet Office website at http://www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/centra1/2000/guidance_on_government_research_attitudes.htm. This guidance was developed following extensive consultation with Departments, reflects existing best practice and reminds Departments that public expenditure must not be used for party political purposes. Departments are encouraged in the guidance to pass it to others carrying out research of this sort such as non-departmental public bodies and to publish the results of research, for example, by placing them in the House of Commons Library and making them publicly available on request and on the internet. Results408W must be made publicly available unless they are exempt under the terms of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information or, when the Freedom of Information Act 2000 comes into force, they are covered by an exemption in the Act.