To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what opinion polls the Department has conducted of (a) the public and (b) staff since 27 June 2007; and what the (i) name of the firm employed to conduct the poll, (ii) purpose and (iii) cost to the public purse was in each case. (164959)

The information is as follows.

(a) Since 27 June 2007 the Department has conducted one wave of public opinion polling across a broad range of Home Office issues, of during August 2007. This polling was carried out by Ipsos MORI, at a cost of £13,875 (ex VAT).

The polling was used to give the Department a better understanding of public priorities, concerns and satisfaction levels. This will help direct the Department’s strategy and future policy initiatives.

(b) The Home Office headquarters, Border and Immigration Agency and Identity and Passport Service have not conducted any opinion polls of staff since 27 June 2007. The Criminal Records Bureau employed the research company Ipsos MORI to conduct a staff survey between 10 and 28 September 2007. This is an annual consultation exercise with staff to gain feedback on any issues of concern that senior management can take steps to address and it was undertaken at a cost of £25,000.