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The Census and Statistics (2016 Population Census) Order was published in the Gazette today (October 23) to enable the conduct of a population by-census from June 30 to August 2, 2016.
The Order was made by the Chief Executive in Council under Section 9 of the Census and Statistics Ordinance (Cap 316). Apart from the dates for conducting the 2016 Population By-census, the Order also specifies the purpose of this population by-census, the persons, premises and vessels in respect of which particulars are to be obtained, the persons who are required to give requisite information, and the dates for destroying the completed questionnaires. A schedule specifying the matters in respect of which particulars are to be provided by the respondents is also included in the Order.
A Government spokesman said, "It is an established practice in Hong Kong to conduct a population census at 10-year intervals and a by-census in the middle of the intercensal period. The purpose is to obtain up-to-date benchmark information on the socio-economic characteristics of the population and on its geographical distribution. Such information is vital to the Government for planning and policy formulation, and to the private sector and academia for business and research purposes."
The by-census will comprise an enquiry on about one-tenth of the households in Hong Kong and a multi-modal data collection approach will be used. Starting from June 30, 2016, respondents of the sampled units of quarters may complete their e-questionnaires online or using a dedicated mobile app. From July 16 to August 2, 2016, census officers of the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) will visit households that have not yet completed their e-questionnaires, using mobile tablets to collect the requested information.
"As in the past, strict procedures will be implemented to ensure that all data collected during the by-census on individual persons and households will be handled in strict confidence for privacy protection," the spokesman added. All completed questionnaires, in both paper and electronic forms, will be destroyed on or before June 29, 2017.
The C&SD will make further publicity on the detailed arrangement for the 2016 Population By-census after the completion of the legislative procedure for the commencement of the Order.
The Order will be tabled at the Legislative Council for negative vetting next Wednesday (October 28).
Ends/Friday, October 23, 2015
Issued at HKT 11:00
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