Census Forms

HC Deb 23 October 1961 vol 646 cc535-6

7. Dr. D. Johnson

asked the Minister of Health when he intends to destroy the census forms of the 1961 Census.

Mr. Powell

These forms will be required for some years at least, to complete the census reports.

Dr. Johnson

Cannot my right hon. Friend be a little more definite than that? Is he not aware that there are personal questions on this form about which women in particular have a certain amount of anxiety and considerable fear? They think that these details get into the wrong hands, perhaps by inadvertence.

Mr. Powell

The confidentiality of these forms is absolute and is not prejudiced by their retention for this purpose.

Mr. Frank Allaun

Can the Minister say approximately when he expects the census to be published? Secondly, would it be possible, without awaiting publication of the full report, for individual questions to be put to him, dealing, for example, with the number of houses without baths?

Mr. Powell

I do not think that the latter question would be for me, but if the hon. Gentleman puts the first question down I will see that he has an answer to it.