HC Deb 18 December 1967 vol 756 cc287-8W
Dr. Miller

asked the Minister of Health when the next census of population is to be taken; and what preliminary investigations are to be carried out.

Mr. K. Robinson:

The Government have decided to seek the authority of Parliament to take the next Census in April, 1971, the earliest date possible under the Census Act. This Census will involve a full enumeration of the whole population.

To ensure the efficiency of the whole operation, including the enumeration procedures as well as the design and content of the Census questionnaire, a number of tests will be carried out in the field during the next few years.

Most of these tests will be on an extremely small scale. However, two larger tests will be carried out in April, 1968, and April, 1969, each involving some ten selected areas in England and Wales and ten in Scotland, where a full enumeration will be carried out. These will be on a wholly voluntary footing, but my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I hope that we shall have the full co-operation of those members of the public invited to take part in them.