§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many letters from the Director of Statistics were sent to businesses informing them that there will be no annual census of employment for the current year; what was the cost 448W to public funds; and why it was thought necessary to send a letter.
§ Mr. Jim LesterAbout 8,000 copies of the letter were sent at an estimated cost of about £1,800. They were sent to large firms only. Some of these, particularly those with many business addresses, make advance preparations for the completion of the census return and it was thought appropriate to advise them of the cancellation of the 1980 census so that the expense involved could be avoided. Local officials were asked to send the letter to any other employers who might be expected to make advance preparations. A number of employers telephoned to thank the Department for the letter.
§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the saving to public funds of not holding a census of employment for the current year.
§ Mr. Jim LesterIt is estimated that not holding a 1980 census of employment yields a net saving of just over £2 million in public expenditure.