The UK Statistics Authority slipped out an interesting press release yesterday, which seems to have gone unnoticed.

They have never issued formal guidance on the use of their figures before, it is a damning indictment of the Ministers we currently have that they have been forced to do so – in interesting terms.

“The current 24-hours advance access by Ministers and their advisers contains too many dark hours during which no-one can see what is happening.

In Scotland and Wales, the current arrangements allow five days advance access for devolved statistics, which is inconsistent with international best practice.

The Statistics Authority would like to see a maximum period of three hours, consistently applied across the UK. This was also the view of the House of Commons Treasury Committee when it reviewed the issue in 2006.

We believe that the recommendations in our report will minimise the opportunities for political influence or exploitation, and will help to build public confidence in the independence of the statistical system.

“The Statistics Authority also proposes that, despite the statutory provisions which prevent it from determining the rules on pre-release access, Ministers in all four UK administrations should look to the Authority to guide future practice. Equality of access levels the political playing field, demonstrates statistical independence, and is a reasonable arrangement which respects the interests of Parliament, the press and the public.”

1
Blink March 20, 2010 at 17:20

I didn’t think Ministers or their advisors ever read reports or statistics – I thought nay, believed, they just made them up to suit their profane arguments!

2
Alan March 20, 2010 at 19:12

I’m surprised – not that the obvious is being put in enjoyably plain English but that I thought this issue *had* already been dealt with and the 24 hour period was no more. More fool me for not paying attention.

IIRC the last time this was made into an issue was with knife crime statistics or some such data.

This has been in discussion since December 2009 at least.

3
Tractor Stats lol March 20, 2010 at 19:51

Still think several million of us should march on parliament and throw them all out and occupy the place until we vote in a complete new lot on our terms.

4
lenko March 21, 2010 at 19:17

Statistics are being increasingly abused, both by politicians and anyone with an axe to grind — pharmaceutical companies, health focus groups, everyone. We are constantly being told that “this” SUGGESTS “that”, whether it does or not; and that our health/safety/life MAY be affected; or that so-and-so is MORE LIKELY to affect us.

And on the back of all these ifs and buts is constructed legislation designed to deal with problems caused by 2% of the population or less.

I think I might go to live in Greece.