HC Deb 01 March 2004 vol 418 c759W
Mr. Dismore

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what representations have been made to(a) him and (b) the Office for National Statistics concerning the accuracy of the 2001 Census by (i) the London borough of Barnet, (ii) Westminster city council and (iii) Manchester city council; and if he will make a statement. [156489]

Keith Hill

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has received a number of letters from Westminster city council and Manchester city council with regard to the population estimates based on the 2001 Census and has met with Manchester city council. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has received previous correspondence from my hon. Friend concerning the accuracy of the 2001 Census.

The Office for National Statistics has received a number of letters from Westminster city council, Manchester city council and the London borough of Barnet with regard to results of the 2001 Census, and population estimates based on these.

The Office for National Statistics are involved in studies with Westminster city council and Manchester city council, comparing the 2001 Census address lists with administrative records. These studies are not yet complete, but a provisional adjustment to the 2001 population estimate for Manchester, based on the results of the address matching project, was released in November.