DoH 'warned No 10 over figures'

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Commons Public Administration Committee has released a series of emails between the department and No 10 outlining the concerns of health officials about the release of the figures.

However, they were told that No 10 was "adamant" about the need to publish the figures "irrespective of the concerns raised".

The release of statistics last December prompted an unprecedented public rebuke for the Government by the chairman of the UK Statistics Authority Sir Michael Scholar.

The emails show health officials were so concerned about No 10's determination to go ahead with the publication that they raised the matter with the head of the Office for National Statistics, Karen Dunnell.

She in turn took up the issue directly with Jeremy Heywood, the Permanent Secretary at No 10, but Downing Street still insisted publication went ahead.

In a letter to the committee - which has been taking evidence on the issue - Cabinet Office minister Kevin Brennan said the individuals concerned now "very much regret" the damage which had been done and are now much more aware of the need for care in releasing official data.