From Charles Clarke.
I WISH to respond to Barry Breuilly’s letter in the JEP of 10 February which asserts, albeit in a light-hearted manner, that the recently published Retail Price Index figures have been ‘tampered with’.
I am chairman of the Statistics Users Group, which was established by the States in 2000, principally to provide independent oversight and governance for the work of the Statistics Unit. The group, which is widely drawn from a number of Island organisations, meets four times a year with the head of the Statistics Unit to discuss the unit’s work.
My involvement enables me to be very confident that the work of the Statistics Unit is both conducted in a completely impartial manner and free from any influences which might seek to jeopardise this.
If Mr Breuilly had read the comprehensive detail behind the headline figures, he would have found a full explanation and rationalisation of the movements.
I believe Jersey is very fortunate to have such a capable and enthusiastic Statistics Unit, which produces a wealth of helpful data.
Edgefield,
Le Vier Beaumont,
St Peter.
