§ LORD LYLE OF WESTBOURNEasked His Majesty's Government what is the total estimated cost of the work connected with the census to be taken on April 8; by when will all the in-formation be available to the public; for what reason is information sought in this census about the variety of matters not previously forming the subject matter of census returns; and whether, in view of the recent decision in the interests of economy and national defence to reduce expenditure on various unnecessary in-formation services, steps can be taken to inform the public before April 8 that it is no longer necessary to fill in more than a small proportion of the schedule.
§ LORD SHEPHERDThe total cost of the work connected with the census is estimated at about £1,250,000. It will take four to five years to complete the publication of the results. The total count by sex and local government area should, however, be available within two to three months of Census Day and reports will appear at regular intervals including general data from a 1 per cent. sample within, it is hoped, a year. The subjects of inquiry were prescribed by the Census Order, 1950, which was fully discussed in the House of Lords on July 17. His Majesty's Government are satisfied that the taking of the census on the appointed date and in the prescribed form is necessary in the national interest.
House adjourned at seventeen minutes past five o'clock.