Census Day

Lord Christopher Excerpts

Monday 7th March 2011 Lords Chamber

[Lord Taylor of Holbeach]

The chase-up period will go on until 9 May. It may be necessary for people who are absent to complete the form after 27 March, but the Government’s objective is to have a snapshot view on 27 March. That is the end in mind. I should add that it is possible to complete and submit the form online in anticipation of 27 March, if one wishes to do so.

[Lord Christopher]

My Lords, my impression is that not many people have seen the form yet. I had the misfortune of getting it this morning. I glanced at it only very quickly, and will not ask the unkind question of whether the noble Lord has seen it, but I think that it runs to 32 pages. It provides some notes for what you should do if you make a mistake—well, there is some opportunity there, I can assure the noble Lord. So my question really is: what steps are proposed to monitor the accuracy of returns, even for those of good will who might wish to return them? I did the census 60 years ago, for £10, when every form was taken and completed by an operative, but we are now relying on the public.

[Lord Taylor of Holbeach]

I am pleased to hear that the noble Lord received his form this morning; he is higher in the alphabet than I am, so mine might come a little bit later—but I have actually downloaded a form online. I will make sure that a copy of the form is available in the Library for examination.