New questions revealed for census

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Proposals for new questions for the next census of Scotland's five million people have been unveiled.

The population survey helps to decide how billions of pounds worth of future public services are planned.

Possible questions to be included are on health, national identity and household income.

The Scottish Parliament has been asked to consider the draft Census (Scotland) Order, which sets out the date for the next census.

The earliest date that the census can be carried out is on Sunday 27 March 2011.

The census will ask 14 household questions and up to 35 questions for each individual.

NEW QUESTION AREAS Long-term healthNational identityHousehold incomeLanguage

The questions have been recommended following five years of research and consultation, led by census organiser the General Register Office for Scotland (GROS).

Six new questions are proposed and will look at long-term health conditions, national identity, household income (weekly or annual), month/year of arrival in the UK and language.

Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, Jim Mather, said: "The once-a-decade census is the only survey of the entire population, from national to neighbourhood level.

"Responses to the recommended census questions will shape everyone's future because the census provides government, local authorities and health boards with a robust picture of the population.

"This helps them to determine how to best deliver vital public services, like health, housing, education and transport.

We received positive ideas and contributions which have informed our recommended approach to 2011 Duncan McNivenRegistrar General

"The 2001 Census was the first for devolved Scotland and the plans for 2011 build on its contribution to society by ensuring that, in the 21st century global community, Scotland remains an inclusive country where growth and progress are nurtured throughout our society."

Registrar General Duncan Macniven said: "In deciding on what questions to include we have consulted a broad range of census data users and the public about what they need from the census.

"We received positive ideas and contributions which have informed our recommended approach to 2011.

"The draft Census Order proposes a question about long-term health conditions because that will inform us about how common different conditions are in the population, for example, visual or hearing problems.

"That helps to plan health and social services.

"We also recommend that a national identity question is introduced, with tick box options for selected groups within Scotland and space for people to write in other responses.

"People can then select as many or as few of these as they feel necessary.

"This, in conjunction with the ethnic group question, allows people to fully express what they feel their identity to be".