Census

Debate between Lord Bishop of Bristol and Lord Taylor of Holbeach

Wednesday 15th December 2010 Lords Chamber

[Lord Taylor of Holbeach]

I do not have the figure for the last census but I have the current estimate for the 2011 census. It is £482 million, which is a very large amount. It includes the extrapolation of the figures and the development of figures after the actual census has been taken. It is believed that it could cost as much as £1 billion in 2021.

[The Lord Bishop of Bristol]

Given that the British public are very well able to answer questions on the census form for themselves, does the Minister agree that any campaign, such as that which I gather is being undertaken by the British Humanist Association and is specifically aimed at telling people how to answer the question about religious affiliation, is at best inappropriate, and at worst likely to distort census-on-census comparisons?

[Lord Taylor of Holbeach]

I am sure the whole House will agree that the integrity of the process is important. I note the right reverend Prelate’s observations.