To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland pursuant to the answer of 23 May 2006, Official Report, column 1605W, on staff surveys, for what reason the number of staff surveys conducted in Northern Ireland Departments increased between 2003-04 and 2005-06. (77219)

The following table details the increase in staff surveys undertaken by the 11 core NICS Departments and the Northern Ireland Office between the financial years 2003-04 and 2005-06.

There is no single reason for the increase in staff survey numbers. There is no set number of surveys that Departments are required to carry out in any given year. The increase in surveys reflects the growing focus on measuring internal service provision, staff communication, workplace health and working toward best practice in people management.