HC Deb 03 May 1911 vol 25 cc425-6
Mr. EUGENE WASON

asked the Lord Advocate what was the population of each county in Scotland according to the recent Census, with the increase or decrease as compared with 1901?

The LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. Ure)

The population of Scotland as a whole at the 1901 Census was 4,472,103, and I am informed by the Registrar-General for Scotland that according to the preliminary examination of the returns of the recent Census the population of Scotland as a whole was 4,759,521, thus showing an actual increase of 287,418, or 6.4 per cent. during these ten years. The preliminary totals for the various counties have also been ascertained and, as they involve a number of figures, perhaps I may be allowed to circulate them with the Votes. I may add that all these figures must be regarded as approximate and subject to corrections after the Census Returns have been thoroughly examined.

Mr. CHIOZZA MONEY

Has the Lord Advocate's attention been directed to the fact that the increase stated is about 130,000 short of the expected increase? Will he bring the matter to the attention of the proper authorities in order to obtain a census in, say, five years from the present date, to see if this significant movement is continuing?

Mr. CHIOZZA MONEY

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been directed to the significant preliminary results of the Census in Scotland; and if, in view of the growing importance of our national records and the rapidity with which industrial and social changes now develop, he will forthwith establish a permanent Census Department charged with the examination and analysis of the various factors of the national economy, and authorised to conduct a general and industrial Census at least every five years?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)

My attention has been called to the preliminary results of the Census in Scotland. I am not in a position at the moment to give a definite reply to the last part of my hon. Friend's question, but it will no doubt be a matter for consideration whether the Census Office, which is now engaged on the tabulation of the figures obtained at the recent Census should be continued, and whether these censuses should be taken at more frequent intervals than at present.

Mr. CHIOZZA MONEY

Is not the Census in Germany a quinquennial Census?

Mr. WATT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the landlords are driving these people from Scotland?