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All questionnaires and computer data files containing data on individual persons, households and quarters collected in the 2006 Population By-census were destroyed during the period from June 25 to July 5, 2007 under the close supervision of staff of the Census and Statistics Department.
The Population By-census was conducted during the period July 15 –August 1, 2006.
A spokesman for the Department explained that as stipulated by law, all data on individual persons, households and quarters obtained from the 2006 Population By-census had to be treated in strict confidence and all completed questionnaires containing such information had to be destroyed within one year after the By-census operation (i.e. not later than July 14, 2007).
He stressed that at all stages of the By-census operation, steps had been taken to ensure that the confidentiality of such data was strictly maintained.
"Questionnaires completed in the By-census and related identifiable records were destroyed in order to dispel any possible anxiety which the public might have over the use of data on individual persons, households and quarters for non-statistical purposes," he said.
Ends/Friday, July 6, 2007
Issued at HKT 12:00
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