43. Colonel NEWMANasked the Prime Minister to what Government Department is entrusted the taking of the Census for 1921; whether it is intended to vary the facts to be ascertained under the Census from those ascertained in the Census of 1911; and whether, in view of the fact that no inquiry into the consumption of food and other commodities known as the cost of living has been made since 1904, he will take the opportunity of the taking of the Census to make inquiries into the cost of living in selected middle-class and working-class households?
§ Dr. ADDISONI have been asked to reply to this question. The taking of the Census in England and Wales is entrusted to the Registrar-General, subject to my control and direction. The 1921 Census enquiries are those prescribed by the Order in Council, dated the 21st December last, and do not comprise any cost of living enquiry. Such an enquiry, being largely concerned with prices, is beyond the scope of the Census.
Colonel NEWMANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the last estimate of the cost of living was made in 1904? Is it not time we got something up-to-date?
§ Dr. ADDISONIt would be very useful to have up-to-date figures as to the cost of living, I agree, but what I say is you cannot get them in the Census.
§ Mr. LYLE-SAMUELIs it not a fact that every previous Census has been made for the entire United Kingdom? Is an exception to be made, or will this also include Ireland?
§ Dr. ADDISONPerhaps the hon. Member will give me notice of that. It does not arise out of the question on the Paper.