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Statistics and Registration Service Bill

I will give way to the hon. Gentleman in a second. It is good to see him. The national statistician will carry out the day-to-day delivery of the executive statistical production functions. Moreover, as well as being the board’s chief professional adviser, he will be a Crown appointment and the board’s chief executive. The board will be obliged to take account of his advice on all statistical matters. If the board overrules the national statistician, it will need to publish a statement and lay it before Parliament, explaining why it had chosen to do so. At the same time, the national statistician will be a full member of the board and will therefore share responsibility with other board members. In our view, that will enhance and strengthen the role of the national statistician, but within a framework in which there can be proper and unified focus on the executive functions of the service, and where there can also be proper scrutiny and accountability.