§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what use he and his Department has made of focus group research since June 2001; if he will identify for each research project the topics covered, the person or organisation carrying out the research, and the total cost; and if he will publish the research on his Department's website. [74994]
§ Hilary BennThe Home Office research department undertakes a wide range of research activities that support the development of information-led policy, including scientific and social research, and includes research gathered from market research and focus groups.
The department conducts or commissions focus groups only when it is justified by the specific needs of a particular policy or programme and when 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. It has not been possible to provide detailed breakdown of costs of projects where this information is either not held centrally or is commercial in confidence.
The Research, Development and Statistics Directorate (RDS) conducts social research supporting all seven Home Office aims. A list of RDS publications is available on the Home Office website and copies are also placed in the Library.