Deregulation and Economic Statistics: Europe 1992

Abstract

The consequences of deregulation for economic statistics are discussed with a view to Europe 1992. In particular, theeffects of the introduction of the Intrastat-system for statistics on international trade are investigated. It is argued that if the Statistical Offices of the EC-countries do not respond adequately, Europe 1992 will lead to a deterioration of economic statistics in several respects: they will become less reliable, less cost effective and less balanced. The deregulation due to Europe 1992, will probably only have positive effects if Statistical Offices do not try to collect exactly the same type of information (with respect to e.g. coverage, definitions, detail and timeliness) as before. Only in this way, a proper balance between relevance and effort can be established in the system of economic statistics.

Keywords: Deregulation, economic statistics, national accounts, foreign trade statistics

JEL Classification: C82