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The Census and Statistics Department today (May 24) reminded the management of the establishments selected in the 2009 round of the Annual Survey of Economic Activities to return the completed questionnaires to the department promptly.
The survey aims to collect up-to-date statistical data from various economic sectors to evaluate their contribution to Hong Kong's Gross Domestic Product and to ascertain their cost structure, operating characteristics and output levels. The survey results are useful to both the Government and the private sector in formulating policies and making decisions.
Questionnaires were mailed earlier this year to about 21 000 selected establishments. These establishments are required by law to return the completed questionnaires to the department on or before May 31 this year.
The Commissioner for Census and Statistics, Mr Fung Hing-wang, appealed to the management of all selected establishments to fulfill their legal and civic responsibilities by returning promptly the completed questionnaires and co-operating with officers of the department in the course of the survey. Any respondent who is unable to return the completed questionnaire within the time specified is required to declare with reason his/her inability to do so. Those who contravene these requirements commit an offence.
The questionnaire has been so designed that respondents can complete it themselves by following the relevant explanatory notes. If necessary, officers of the department will visit individual establishments and assist them in completing the questionnaires. These officers will each carry a government/enumerator identity card and a certificate for conducting the survey, which are available for inspection.
According to Mr Fung, audited accounts are not essential for the supply of income and expenditure data required for the survey. The department accepts figures based on preliminary accounts or estimates which are correct to the best of the respondents' knowledge at the time of submitting the questionnaires.
Mr Fung also stressed that information relating to individual establishments would be kept in strict confidence in accordance with the Census and Statistics Ordinance. Only aggregate information that does not reveal details of individual establishments will be released.
Ends/Monday, May 24, 2010
Issued at HKT 16:31
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