The Pre-release Access to Official Statistics (Scotland) Order 2008

Maximum period of access

4.—(1) Subject to sub-paragraphs (2) to (5)–

(a) in the case of market-sensitive statistics the maximum period which may be allowed for pre-release access is 1 working day before publication; and

(b) for other official statistics, the maximum period is 5 working days before publication.

(2) For statistics released under paragraph 2(1)(e) there is no maximum period.

(3) The person responsible may increase the maximum periods in sub-paragraph (1)(a) and (b) where that is necessary–

(a) to fulfil one or more of the purposes set out in paragraph 2(1)(a) to (g); or

(b) under paragraph 2(1)(h).

(4) In deciding whether or not to increase the maximum period the person responsible must take into account the risk of detriment to public trust in the integrity of official statistics.

(5) Where the person responsible increases the maximum period that person must, as soon as reasonably practicable, publish–

(a) the fact of that increase;

(b) the statistics to which it relates;

(c) its duration;

(d) the ground in paragraph 2(1) under which the increase was granted; and

(e) an explanation of why it was necessary to increase the maximum period.