Commentary on Sections and Schedules Part 1: the Statistics Board Section 20 Production of statistics
91.This section provides the Board with the power to produce and publish statistics. Under this power, the Board will take on one of the main roles of the ONS, in conducting surveys, and collecting information from other sources, to produce a wide range of data on the economy and society. This includes, for example, production of the National Accounts, labour market data and information on population sizes.
92.Subsection (1) allows for the Board to prepare and publish statistical outputs, while subsection (2) provides for the Board to make available information or advice in relation to those outputs. For example, when publishing statistics on a particular topic, the Board may need to provide other contextual information for users about the appropriate use of those data, background information on the methodology, and terminology (for example, explaining the concept of seasonal adjustment) or advice on other relevant points.
93.Subsections (3) to (5) provide that the Board must seek the consent of the relevant Devolved Administration before producing or publishing devolved statistics.