To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions with reference to the answer to the hon. Member for Taunton of 26 November 2008, Official Report, columns 1966-67W, on departmental public opinion, whether the outturn costs of the focus groups were within budget. (241034)

As referred to in my previous answer to the hon. Member for Taunton (Mr. Browne), 26 November 2008, Official Report, columns 1966-67W, the costs of focus groups are often included within campaign development and evaluation costs. Specific budget allocations and costs for focus group elements are therefore not held separately.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions with reference to the answer to the hon. Member for Taunton of 26 November 2008, Official Report, columns 1966-67W, on departmental public opinion, what plans his Department has to hold further focus groups. (241035)

As referred to in my previous answer to the hon. Member for Taunton (Mr. Browne), 26 November 2008, Official Report, columns 1966-67W, focus group research is an integral part of the development of communications campaigns, as well as being used to inform some of the Department’s larger evaluation exercises. The Department will undoubtedly use focus group research in the future but detailed plans are not yet established