On producers and users of statistics

Abstract

It is always somewhat difficult for presidents of societies like The Statistical and Social Inquiry Society to decide on an appropriate topic for a presidential address. It is not normally an occasion for an in-depth assessment of any particular issue but frequently takes the form of a "state of the art" expose relating to some areas of current interest. Some suggestions as to future directions to be followed may also be indicated. Broadly speaking I propose to follow (or attempt to follow) this course in relation to my chosen topic. The main reason why I have selected this particular issue derives from the fact that I have some experience as both a producer and a user of statistics. I spent some eighteen years in the CSO and for more than eight years now I have been engaged in research of a socio-economic nature. I felt that there might be some benefit therefore in expressing my views from both points of view. I might add of course that throughout this paper, even though it is not always said, my comments relate only to Government statistics.