§ Mr. Waldenasked the Minister of Health when the first of the larger census tests relating to the 1971 Census will be held; and what new procedures and questions will be included.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonThe test will be held on 28th April, 1968. It will take the form of a trial census in 10 areas in England and 10 areas in Scotland. About 50,000 householders will be invited to complete questionnaires in order to test the general efficiency of the enumeration process and to try out some new procedures and questions.
The new procedures include a trial of the return of completed questionnaires by post, recording of map references for buildings, and an experimental sampling system. The sampling experiment, however, will not apply in Scotland where the test areas are smaller.
The new questions relating to people ask for the country or origin of immigrants, income, occupation twelve months previously, number of G.C.E. "A" level passes or equivalent educational qualifications obtained, and dates of birth of all children born to women who are or have been married; the new questions on housing relate to central heating installations, types of fuel used, telephones installed, and second residences owned or rented.
Specimen test questionnaires will be placed in the Library.
As I have already announced, participation in the test will be voluntary and all information obtained will be treated in the strictest confidence.