HC Deb 06 June 2000 vol 351 cc220-1W
Barbara Follett

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will publish the proposed forms of questionnaire that will be required to be completed in next year's census of population in England and Wales. [124924]

Miss Melanie Johnson

I have today laid before the House the Census Regulations 2000 (Statutory Instrument 2000–1473) which include facsimile copies of the forms to be completed by householders, individuals and persons in charge of communal establishments in respect of the next census of population in England and Wales, to be taken on 29 April 2001. The Regulations also provide for the appointment of persons to carry out the field operations and the detailed arrangements for the conduct of the census. Pending the progress of the Census (Amendment) Bill these forms do not currently contain a question on religion.

Corresponding Regulations covering the Census in Scotland were laid before the Scottish Parliament on 5 April. Similar Regulations covering the Census in Northern Ireland were made on 25 May.