asked the Minister of Transport what consultations took place in which his Department was involved, prior to the decision to omit from the 1981 census a question on the number of cars available for the use of a household.

In considering the format of the 1981 census the Government decided to drop less essential questions. This will reduce the burden of form-filling and save public expenditure. In the case of my Department's question on car availability, similar and adequate information is obtainable from other, voluntary surveys carried out on behalf of Government.