HC Deb 02 March 1933 vol 275 cc546-7
55. Mr. McGOVERN

asked the Minister of Health when the completed Returns of the Census taken in 1931 will become available; and what are the reasons for the delay in the publication of the figures?

Sir H. YOUNG

It is expected that publication of the County Report series for the census of England and Wales will be completed in June next. A series of subject and summary volumes will follow, title issue of which should be completed early next year. As regards the latter part of the question, I am not aware of any delay since both the estimated rate of progress and that already realised compare favourably with the experience of previous censuses and, I am advised, of other countries. As regards Scotland, the hon. Member should address an inquiry to the Secretary of State for Scotland.

Mr. McGOVERN

Is not three years undue delay in this matter? Could there not be speeding up in some way?

Sir H. YOUNG

No, Sir; I certainly cannot admit that there is any delay at all. On the contrary, I think the work has been undertaken with great promptitude and efficiency.

Mr. MAXTON

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that it would be most desirable to have these figures as soon after they are taken as possible, and that there must be any amount of labour available which could have been used to complete the work much more speedily?

Sir H. YOUNG

Undoubtedly these figures should be available as soon as possible and that point is always kept under consideration, but I must remind the hon. Member that the work requires a large amount of extremely skilled labour.