Written question asked by Lord Soames of Fletching (Conservative) on Wednesday, 11 March 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 16 March 2009. It was answered by Lord Brennan of Canton (Labour) on Monday, 16 March 2009 on behalf of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

Population

Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when the UK population is expected to reach (a) 61 million and (b) 71 million.

Answer: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated March 2009:"As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your question asking when the UK population is expected to reach (a) 61 million and (b) 71 million. (263739)""The most recent national population projections, based on the population at the middle of 2006, were published by the Office for National Statistics on 23 October 2007. The main, or principal, projections are based on the best assumptions available at the time of future expected levels of migration, fertility and mortality.""The population of the UK was projected to have reached 61 million by the middle of 2008, and it is projected to reach 71 million in 2031."

Secondary information