§ Mr. GibbTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many people were prosecuted for failure to complete the 1991 census; [121056]
(2) when the 2001 census will be (a) dispatched and (b) due for return. [121055]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonThe information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.
Letter from Alan Goldsmith to Mr. Nick Gibb, dated 8 May 2000:
The Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has been asked to reply to your recent questions on the number of people prosecuted for failure to complete a 1991 Census return and when the 2001 Census form will be despatched and due for return. I am replying in the Director's absence.The total number of people in England and Wales who were prosecuted for failure to complete a 1991 Census return was 354.Enumerators will deliver 2001 Census forms of return, and reply-paid envelopes as necessary in advance of census day, which is 29 April 2001. The Census forms should be returned on the day after census day or as soon as possible thereafter. Follow-up enquiries will be undertaken if a form has not been received by 8 May 2001.The Census Regulations, which provide for the detailed arrangements for the conduct of the census, are shortly to be laid before Parliament.