Selection of topics and questions for the 2001 Census.

The Government's proposals for questions to be asked in the 2001 Census were published in a White Paper in March this year. The wide range of topics proposed for inclusion represent the culmination of extensive user consultation and testing. Questions have been shown to meet specified criteria in relation to user need, availability of alternative sources, quality, public acceptability and burden on respondents. Significant changes from the 1991 Census include: new questions on general health, provision of unpaid care, time since last paid employment and size of employer's organisation; and major revisions to questions on relationship within the household, ethnic group, and qualifications. A new question on religion is also proposed for England and Wales, however this is subject to a change in Census Legislation. A strong case has been made for the inclusion of a question on income, but the Government has yet to make firm proposals in this respect.