§ Mr. Powellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he proposes to take in connection with the forthcoming census to avoid the under-enumeration of persons born, or whose parents were born, in the new Common- 214W wealth, which occurred in the 1961 and 1966 censuses.
§ Sir K. JosephPast evidence suggests that under-enumeration is most likely to occur in densely populated urban areas. In the 1971 census the work-load of each enumerator in such areas is being considerably reduced, so that extra attention may be given to obtaining complete coverage. Census officers have been authorised to appoint additional enumerators in areas where difficulty is foreseen.
To ensure that the purposes and uses of the census are fully publicised amongst immigrant communities, close contact has been maintained with the Community Relations Commission and with its local councils.
Translations of the census forms will be available in six languages and an information sheet in four Asian languages. Interpreters will be available to help enumerators where necessary.
§ Mr. Powellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, immediately after the forthcoming census, he will arrange for special checks to establish what degree of under-enumeration of persons born, or whose parents were born, in the new Commonwealth, has occurred.
§ Sir K. JosephThe 1971 census will be followed by surveys on coverage of the population and on the quality of the information given. Checks will also be made against other statistics. Special attention will be paid to densely populated urban areas, where experience has shown that full enumeration is most difficult.