Sue Cameron points out in the Financial Times today that Gordon Brown will see the economic statistics showing whether we are pulling out of recession before tomorrow’s TV debate, while the other two party leaders won’t.

Due for release on Friday is the preliminary estimate for gross domestic product for the first quarter of 2010, an eagerly awaited indicator. In line with the rules, ministers get a 24-hour advance look at the data, so it’ll be on the Prime Minister’s desk at 9.30 am tomorrow morning. David Cameron and Nick Clegg won’t see it until Friday.
 
This is a perfect illustration of the iniquities of the present system of pre-release access, which Sir Michael Scholar and the UK Statistics Authority want changed. Sue Cameron calls it “legalised cheating” and calls on the Cabinet Office to see to it that all party leaders have the same access. “Stuff the rules” she says. “The rules are wrong.”

It’s true that the debate tomorrow is on foreign affairs, not the economy. But in the middle of an election it’s an anomaly that ministers should get privileged access to key economic figures.