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The Census and Statistics (2006 Population Census) Order was published in the Gazette today (December 16) to enable the conduct of a population by-census from July 15 to August 1 next year. The Order was made by the Chief Executive in Council under section 9 of the Census and Statistics Ordinance (Cap.316).
A Government spokesman said today (December 16): ：The Order specifies the dates for taking the 2006 Population By-census, the persons and premises in respect of which particulars are to be obtained, the purpose of the population by-census, persons who are required to give the information, and the dates for destroying the completed questionnaires.
：A schedule specifying the matters in respect of which particulars are required to be given by the respondents is also included in the Order,； the spokesman added.
The by-census will comprise an enquiry on the detailed socio-economic characteristics of one-tenth of the households in Hong Kong. Enumerators will visit the sampled households during the 18-day period and call upon all members therein to complete the questionnaires.
Strict procedures will be implemented to ensure that all information and data collected during the by-census on individual persons and households will be handled in strict confidence for privacy protection.
：It is an established practice in Hong Kong since 1961 to conduct a population census every ten years and a by-census in the middle of the intercensal period.
：The aim of conducting population censuses and by-censuses is to obtain up-to-date benchmark information on the socio-economic characteristics of the population and on its geographical distribution.
：The censuses and by-censuses provide benchmark data for studying the direction and trend of population changes. The data are key inputs for making projections concerning population, household, labour force and employment,； the spokesman said.
The Order will be tabled at the Legislative Council on December 21 for negative vetting.
Ends/Friday, December 16, 2005
Issued at HKT 12:00
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