HC Deb 30 April 1981 vol 3 c443W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, in the light of the large amount of money paid in salaries and allowances to the top paid of the officers in the census division, if he will take action to reduce the numbers employed and the cost of this department in accordance with the Government's economy drive.

Sir George Young

The census in Great Britain is one of the cheapest among the developed countries; for example, the cost per head is only half that in the United States census. Nevertheless, economies are constantly being sought. The cost of this census has already been reduced by 16 per cent. as part of the economy drive. Current plans provide for a rapid rundown of the census staff as their tasks are completed.