Written question asked by Gregory Campbell (Democratic Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 28 June 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 3 July 2006. It was answered by Lord Hanson of Flint (Labour) on Tuesday, 11 July 2006 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Census 2011

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when preparatory work began in Northern Ireland for the 2011 Census; and what it will involve.

Answer: Preparatory work for the 2011 Census began in Northern Ireland during 2003. in line with developments across the rest of the UK. The work involved includes (i) reviewing and evaluating key aspects of the 2001 Census operation, (ii) developing, testing and evaluating new topics/questions, enumeration procedures and statistical methodologies, (iii) procuring systems and services to assist with the data collection, processing and output phases of the Census and (iv) consultation with users. Proposals for the 2011 Census will be brought forward in a White Paper in 2008.

Secondary information