The UK Statistics Authority wrote to Sandesh Gulhane MSP about minimum unit pricing

29 August 2023 · Sir Robert Chote, Chair, UK Statistics Authority

The letter, dated 29 August 2023, replies to correspondence of 3 July 2023. The UK Statistics Authority published it as Response from Sir Robert Chote to Sandesh Gulhane MSP – minimum unit pricing; it links to 1 official record. Below are 4 passages from the letter in the regulator's own words.

What the UK Statistics Authority wrote

“We have also looked at an ‘at a glance’ document produced by PHS.”

“As such, we have not conducted a full investigation of the content or methodology of the PHS reports.”

“Instead, we have focused on how statistical evidence has been communicated and we consider that the findings in the final PHS report are communicated clearly and impartially.”

“Our remit covers the production and use of official statistics and does not extend to research or policy evaluation.”

From Sir Robert Chote, Chair, UK Statistics Authority, letter of 29 August 2023. Read the full letter.

The words the letter quotes

The letter quotes 1 passage from the public record:

“In their final report of a series, researchers said that ‘robust, independent evaluation’ and the best available, wide-ranging evidence drawing on 40 independent research publications, showed that the MUP has been effective in its main goal of reducing alcohol harm with the reduction in deaths and hospital admissions specific to the timing of MUP implementation”.”

Source named in the letter: ‘at a glance’ document produced by PHS

Records the letter links to

• Scottish Government press release

Correspondence

• The letter it answered: Letter from Sandesh Gulhane MSP to Sir Robert Chote – minimum unit pricing (3 July 2023)

More on Sandesh Gulhane.

Receipt