HC Deb 06 April 1911 vol 23 cc2415-6
Captain CRAIG

asked whether the Royal Irish Constabulary authorities have issued directions to take extracts from the Census returns and copy them into a book called the Householders' Register; and, if so, why this has been done, seeing that the Census Act and the regulations made under it direct that the returns shall be treated as confidential and that any enumerator who discloses any information such as is required above is liable to a severe penalty?

Mr. BIRRELL

No such directions have been issued. It is the practice to revise annually the Register of Householders which is kept at each Constabulary Station in Ireland, and advantage is taken of the necessary visits of the police in connection with the preparation of the Annual Agricultural Statistics, and of the present Census, to obtain information for this Register. Nothing of a confidential nature in connection with the Census is disclosed by the enumerators.

Captain CRAIG

Will advantage also be taken to ask those interested householders whether they are in favour of Home Rule, or not?

Mr. BIRRELL

No; I do not propose to.