Census Day

Lord Campbell-Savours Excerpts

Monday 7th March 2011 Lords Chamber

[Lord Taylor of Holbeach]

I am afraid that much of the effort involved in the census has to be made in chasing those who have not returned the form. The task of some 35,000 field staff will be to chase up the addresses from which no return has yet been received. That is the reason for the chase-up advertising.

[Lord Campbell-Savours]

My Lords, is it not rather ironic that all this effort is being put into the census when the same is not being done for electoral registration?

[Lord Taylor of Holbeach]

I think that the noble Lord has made that point before when we were discussing other matters, and I appreciate his contribution on this. I am sure that he will agree that getting accurate information is important for proper and effective government.