HC Deb 18 December 1995 vol 268 cc937-8W
Mr. Steen

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the current population of(a) South Hams, (b) the South West, (c) Greater London and (d) Bristol. [6591]

Mr. Horam

The latest available resident population estimates relate to mid-1994. The estimated populations of the requested areas are as follows:

Thousands
Greater London 6,966.8
South—west (standard region) 4,795.7
Bristol (local authority) 399.2
South Hams (local authority) 78.8

Mr. Steen

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the accuracy of the population figures produced for(a) the South west and (b) the United Kingdom as a whole, produced as part of the last census. [6587]

Mr. Horam

Research into the accuracy of the population figures from the 1991 census in Great Britain were carried out as the results became available. Details are given in the 1991 census validation survey coverage report, copies of which are available in the Library. The published population estimates for 1991 and later years for local and health authorities are based on the 1991 census but include adjustments for estimated coverage error in the census. The 1991 census in Northern Ireland and the population estimates based on it arc the responsibility of my hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of the population is(a) male and (b) female. [6808]

Mr. Horam

The latest available population estimates relate to mid-1994. The estimated percentage are: male 49 per cent. female 51 per cent.