ABSTRACT
The idea that knowledge is power has been in currency at least since Francis Bacon. Analytic capability is the ability to shape, discard and manipulate information in order to understand one's situation, devise a relevant strategy, and where necessary be effective in persuading others to support it. Analysis has a vital role to play in empowering citizens and grassroots organisations. Analytic capability is still a rare commodity, and it will be the exceptional community group, let alone individual, which will have it on tap. An illuminating account of how the policy unit worked during the Thatcher administrations has been provided by a former member, David Willetts. The policy unit did not, could not, originate the flood of radical but untested policy ideas which reached government and often the statute book. The use of the boomerang has not been confined to the prime minister of the day; there have also been tactical variations in how it has been employed.
