§ 1. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that many gypsies were not included in the recent census and what action he proposes to take to deal with this omission.
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Marquand)No, Sir. My information is to the contrary. Special arrangements were made as regards people not in a settled place of residence.
§ Mr. DoddsIf I give my right hon. Friend details of gypsy communities that were not even visited for census purposes, will it assist in persuading the Minister that Governmental action is desirable in this minority problem?
§ Mr. MarquandI shall be glad to have that information. Special instructions were given to the enumerators to visit the gypsy encampments.
§ 2. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that a large percentage of gypsy children are without birth registration; and what action he proposes to take to deal with this problem.
§ Mr. MarquandNo, Sir.
§ Mr. DoddsIf I give my right hon. Friend evidence that many gypsy children are not registered, will he look into the matter in view of the importance of every person having a birth certificate?
§ Mr. MarquandYes, Sir.