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Treasury;Office for National Statistics

Answer

Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what research he has undertaken on the likelihood of (a) those with insecure immigration status and (b) those in breach of immigration control of complying with the requirements of the Census. [156225] Miss Melanie Johnson: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply. Letter from John Pullinger to Fiona Mactaggart, dated 3 April 2001: The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your recent question asking what research has been undertaken on the likelihood of those with insecure immigration status and those in breach of immigration control complying with the requirements of the Census. I am replying in his absence (156225). We have not conducted specific research into this issue. Our approach to ensure returns of census information in respect of such individuals who meet the residence criteria has been twofold. First, we have put in place special arrangements to enumerate those resident in communal establishments, including hotels, hostels, camps and immigration detention centres. Second, we have sought advice and information from local authorities with regards to the numbers and general location of such individuals living in the community. Through our community liaison programme we have sought to promote both the importance and confidentiality of the Census process. The fruits of each of these initiatives have been built into the guidance and procedures for enumerators in order to ensure compliance with Census requirements.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

366 c152-3W; 156225

Session

2000-01

Subjects

Asylum Census Undocumented migrants Refugees

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk