Saturday, December 13, 2008
Lies, Damned Lies and Statistics
The Independent reports today that Gordon Brown has been rebuked by the statistics watchdog for his "irregular and selective" use of knife crime figures.
Both the Prime Minister and Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary, trumpeted a report apparently showing stabbings had fallen by a quarter in areas where police stepped up searches of young people. However, Sir Michael Scholar, head of the UK Statistics Authority, has protested that figures put out on Thursday had not been checked and warned that putting them out prematurely was "corrosive of public trust".
Thank goodness that the Prime Minister has announced the end of New Labour spin.
Both the Prime Minister and Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary, trumpeted a report apparently showing stabbings had fallen by a quarter in areas where police stepped up searches of young people. However, Sir Michael Scholar, head of the UK Statistics Authority, has protested that figures put out on Thursday had not been checked and warned that putting them out prematurely was "corrosive of public trust".
Thank goodness that the Prime Minister has announced the end of New Labour spin.
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Talking about lies damned lies and statistics...I'm interested that you haven't commented on Nick Bourne (and others) exepenses claims. I've looked at yours and have to say they seem as pure as the driven snow.
In some ways I admire you for not taking advantage, on the other hand shouldn't AMs of all parties speak out about those who appear tohave abused the system?
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In some ways I admire you for not taking advantage, on the other hand shouldn't AMs of all parties speak out about those who appear tohave abused the system?
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