§ Mr. FabricantTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what consideration he has given to(a) postponing the census for the duration of the foot and mouth outbreak and (b) having census forms delivered by post in rural areas at risk from foot and mouth disease; [158416]
(2) what instructions are being given to census personnel on precautions to minimise the risk of the spread of foot and mouth disease by the distribution of census forms in rural areas. [158417]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonThe information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Michael Fabricant, dated 23 April 2001:
As National Statistician and Registrar General for England and Wales I have been asked to reply to your recent questions on what consideration has been given to postponement of the Census and delivery of Census forms by post during the foot and mouth outbreak, as well as the instructions being given to Census personnel to minimise the risk of spread of the disease (158416,158417).The impact of delaying the Census because of current outbreak of foot and mouth was assessed against the public concerns expressed about conducting the census in affected areas. I have been very conscious of the distress and difficulty the disease is causing, but I am certain that we shall do nothing in conducting the Census that might contribute to its spread.People in rural England and Wales have responded particularly well in past Censuses, and this makes it possible to introduce a much more flexible approach to counting people in these parts of the country, in response to the outbreak.On 2 April I released a statement outlining our plans for conducting the Census in affected areas. I attach a copy of the statement.This explains that the Census-takers working in the countryside have been instructed to respect all foot and mouth restrictions, and the wishes of the farming community. New arrangements are in place so that Census forms can be delivered to farms and households by mail, or, where practical, to an agreed point such as a farm boundary. Completed forms will be returned by mail.Specific guidance for enumerators has been drafted in consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and has been endorsed by the National Assembly for Wales, as well 183W as by the National Farmers Union. Details of the procedures have been delivered to area and district managers, and are incorporated in the training of census-takers.Census and foot and mouth statement—Monday 2 April 2001National Statistician Len Cook today expressed confidence that the Census in England and Wales scheduled for 29 April can be conducted safely and efficiently despite the restrictions imposed to combat foot and mouth disease.Census-takers working in the countryside have been instructed to respect all foot and mouth restrictions, and the wishes of the farming community. New arrangements are being put in place so that Census forms can be delivered to farms and households by mail, or, where practical, to an agreed point such as a farm boundary. Completed forms will be returned by mail.The special instructions, drafted in consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, have been endorsed by the National Assembly for Wales, as well as by the National Farmers Union. Details of the procedures have been delivered to area and district managers, and are incorporated in the training of census-takers.Mr. Cook said today "Senior Census officials last week visited teams in the regions worst affected by foot and mouth. They confirmed the practicality of the special arrangements for delivering Census forms in rural areas where there are restrictions.I am certain that. with these arrangements in place, the Census can be carried through without danger of contributing to the spread of the disease.I am very conscious of the distress and difficulty foot and mouth disease is causing and we shall do nothing that might contribute to its spread".Census Director Graham Jones, who on Tuesday visited the North of England and met field staff from Cumbria, Northumberland and Yorkshire, today said: "The people at the sharp end say the revised procedures are entirely practical, and can be applied sensibly and flexibly by census-takers in the countryside".Alex Clark, Deputy Census Director, had meetings with field staff in Wales and Devon, and reported a similar positive reaction. In many places, area managers are liaising with local authorities to ensure compliance with local restrictions.Forms are scheduled for delivery to households between 9 and 20 April. Delivery in areas where there are restrictions may be delayed by a few days, but forms will reach households in time for the Census on 29 April.If necessary the deadline for returning forms will be extended.The information made available by the Census is essential to the planning activities of a whole range of private and public sector bodies", Mr. Cook said, "It will help determine resource allocation decisions on billions of pounds of public expenditure, which will be vitally important for the rural community and the rural economy. In these extremely difficult circumstances we are delighted by the co-operation we are receiving".
§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if compensation payments to farmers in respect of foot and mouth disease will be subject to income tax. [157374]
§ Mr. Andrew Smith[holding answer 6 April 2001]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for West Worcestershire (Sir. M. Spicer) on 6 April 2001, Official Report, column 301W.