Quote:
Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington
Your figures and Gordon's are at a variance.
I don't really value statistics from anyone(however reputable the source) unless I can see the criteria for inclusion into the study, and also who commissioned the study and why it was commissioned.
Most studies are commissioned by bodies who want to show that their theories are true...and then the criteria and questions are formulated to reflect the outcome that was wanted by the commissioners.
These facts have to be borne in mind when looking at statistics.
In my book statistics are just another way to bamboozle and lie.
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I was using ASH figures because they're anti smoking so are unlikely to underestimate.
But, hey ho, if it's £5 billion it's still a £7 billion profit- not even the banks can match that profit ratio.
As you say, Margaret, people use the statistics which suit their purpose.