START FOR NATIONAL STATISTICS

The launch of National Statistics has been set to coincide with the arrival of Len Cook, the UK's first National Statistician, at the end of May, Melanie Johnson, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, announced today.

Melanie Johnson said:

"The Government is determined that official statistics should command full public confidence. Following the widest debate on official statistics for over 30 years, National Statistics will take us towards this goal; statistics of assured quality and transparently free from political interference.

"I am delighted that Len Cook, a first-rate and very experienced statistician, has agreed to become the UK's first National Statistician and Director of the Office for National Statistics at the end of May. He is the ideal choice to oversee the biggest overhaul of official statistics since the 1960s.

"Len Cook's appointment allows the new arrangements for National Statistics to become operational once he has taken up his post, in keeping with the commitments made in the White Paper Building trust in Statistics."

NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. Following the consultation document Statistics: a Matter of Trust, there was a widespread debate about the future organisation of official statistics. In the White Paper Building trust in Statistics, the Government committed itself to a model of National Statistics which had received the widest support. It will represent a system with quality at its centre and firmly aimed at addressing users' needs. The National Statistician will be the Government's chief professional adviser on statistical matters.

2. The arrangements will be buttressed by an independent Statistics Commission as a further safeguard of statistical integrity. Advertisements were placed in January beginning the appointment procedure for the Commissioners. The names of the Commissioners will be announced once the appointment procedure is complete.