§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Health which areas he has chosen for the proposed new census forms pilot study; when the pilot study will take place; and if there is to be an Irish category in the ethnic origin question. [4705]
§ Mr. HoramA thorough operational trial of various options being considered, for the conduct and content of the census being planned for 2001, will be held in 1997. The areas to be included have not yet been decided.
Prior to that, some small-scale tests of particular aspects are being held in various areas according to the questions being tested.
Questions to be asked in 2001 will not be decided until 1998. The feasibility of a number of suggestions is being considered, including that of an Irish category in an ethnic origin question.