HC Deb 20 November 2003 vol 413 cc1391-2W
Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much his Department spent on(a) opinion polling and (b) market research in the last financial year; and if he will make a statement. [139982]

Ms Rosie Winterton

A list of expenditure incurred on opinion polling, and market research in the last financial year could be provided only at disproportionate costs.

A list of research projects carried out by the Department, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies for the financial year 2002–03 is available in the Library. These lists may not include all research projects, as some information is not centrally available.

We are committed to consulting and involving the public to help inform both policy formulation and the delivery of better quality public service. Responsive public services are an important part of the Modernising Government initiative.

We only conduct or commission market or opinion research when it is justified by the needs of the policy programme and is the most economical, efficient and effective way to achieve the purpose.