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Census

Volume 827: debated on Monday 6 December 1971

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asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many persons neglected or refused to complete the Census form; how many of these have been prosecuted; and with what results.

Forms are still coming in but it is likely that of the 18 million people on whom the obligation rested, the number reported to the Registrar General who finally refused to complete an acceptable form will be of the order of 3,000. Five hundred and thirty-two summonses have been applied for and up to last Friday 366 cases had been heard, not counting cases withdrawn on completion of a form. In all cases so far notified to the Registrar General, the defendant has been found guilty. Some 500 cases have been dropped on compassionate grounds or in other mitigating circumstances and in the remainder there was not sufficient evidence to justify prosecution.