The latest issue of Statistics in Society (JRSS Series A) just published
gives the full proceedings of the meeting held on July 9th last year with a
paper by Philip Redfern 'An alternative view of the 2001 Census and future
census taking'. It is a remarkable report in many different ways.
The RSS convention is that the first speaker in the discussion of papers
read to the Society is complimentary to the speaker and the paper. None of
that (timewasting?) congratulation on this occasion.
Len Cook in responding plunged in by questioning the purpose of Redfern's
paper. Was Redfern trying to do Cook's job? Cook has three pages of
justification for the procedures adopted in the 2001 census with only part
dealing with Redfern's paper. This made it relatively easy for Redfern in
replying to the discussion to claim that he had made a comprehensive
rebuttal of Cook's criticisms.
I'm all in favour of discussion of statistical matters, and especially the
methods used in the 2001 Census. But this particular discussion does not
appear to be consistent with the idea of fostering 'a culture of evaluation'
as proclaimed in the National Statistics Code of Practice.
There is lots more of interest in this report - especially the wide range of
views expressed and the many questions that were asked without even an
attempt at an answer. All credit to the RSS for putting on this meeting.
But it was not an occasion for a good perfomance by the ONS .
Ray Thomas
35 Passmore, Tinkers Bridge, Milton Keynes MK6 3DY
Email: [log in to unmask]
Tel 01908 679081 Fax 01908 550401
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