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Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill

Mr. Winterton—[Hon. Members: "Sir Nicholas."] I am sorry; Sir Nicholas. I should have thought that the ONS would be quite insulted—as I hope you are not by my mistake—by the word "randomly", and by being dismissed in such a way. I can think of no more authoritative body to provide statistics for the Government, the House and the wider public. The civil service commissioners publish an annual report on their activities, which could include comments on the state of the civil service. I would argue that comprehensive information is already available. If new clause 33 were accepted, it would duplicate current practice. It would impose additional burdens and costs that would be disproportionate to any perceived benefit—which I cannot identify—and it is really not necessary.