The 2014 referendum on Scottish independence is likely to prompt wide-ranging debate on matters that relate to official statistics, particularly comparisons of trends and patterns in social and economic conditions between Scotland and other parts of the UK. The Statistics Authority is concerned to ensure that those involved in public debate on these matters should understand as much as possible about the relevant official statistics and the scope for valid statistical comparisons, and that the presentation of the relevant official statistics service – in all four administrations – should be as clear, consistent and helpful as possible.