HC Deb 15 April 1981 vol 3 c190W
Mr. Michael Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the attempts that have been made to disrupt the census in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Alison

A small number of blank forms were burnt and some completed forms were stolen in attempts to disrupt the census. Some 30 of the 3,000 enumerators reported being intimidated into abandoning the collection of forms and 12 of these were physically attacked. One enumerator, Mrs. Joanna Mathers, was murdered. These incidents took place mainly in Londonderry, West Belfast, East Tyrone and South Armagh. Despite these attempts to disrupt the census, over 90 per cent. of forms have been collected and they continue to be received by post.

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