asked the Taoiseach if he will state whether any agreement or arrangement was made with the British Government in respect of the censuses to be held simultaneously here and in Great Britain during the present month; and, if so, whether he will give particulars.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - British and Irish Census.
Major de Valera
No agreement has been made with the British Government in respect of the censuses of population to be taken during the present month. The only arrangement made is an informal reciprocal one between the Central Statistics Office and the British census authorities, whereby (a) in the case of ships in Irish or British ports at midnight of 8th/9th April, 1951, which depart before the census forms are collected, either authority will collect and return the completed forms of the other, (b) in the case of ships which are at sea, travelling between Irish and British ports at midnight on the night in question, it has been arranged, so as to avoid duplication, to enumerate the persons on board such ships at the ports at which they arrive on the morning of 9th April.
Major de Valera
Is it, then, a coincidence that the census in Britain and in Northern Ireland and here will be held on the same date? Is it a coincidence?
What is the point of the coincidence?
Major de Valera
Or did the informal arrangement extend to simultaneity?
The dates between which a census can be held either here or elsewhere are somewhat restricted. It is desirable to hold it at a period of the year when the passenger traffic is at a minimum and also at a period at which the weather is reasonably good. In that way, the most suitable period is, roughly, between March and Whit. It was a question of fixing some date in between that period. I understand that that is the reason for fixing it at this period of the year.
Major de Valera
They are to be held both in Britain and here on precisely the same date. I ask if that was a coincidence? Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that in an English Sunday newspaper there was a reference to an agreement——
The Observer.
The reference is not correct. It is in the Sunday Times of 1st April, by a Dr. North.
Major de Valera
Are we to take it that it is, in fact, merely a coincidence? Are we to take it that it is purely chance that a census is to be held here on 8th April and that one is to be held in Britain also on the same date?
In 1911 and in 1926 the censuses were held on simultaneous dates.
Major de Valera
Yes, but then the Governments were virtually one.
No doubt the Deputy is aware that during the last war no census was held in this country except a census in respect of rationing. That prevented the normal census being taken at the appropriate time. What is the objection?
Major de Valera
There is no objection. I am merely looking for information.
A silly point.
Major de Valera
You refer to 1926. That was the year of secret agreements. You will not be frank now. I am looking for information and you will not give it.
Mr. Byrne
It does not matter.
Up the Molly Maguires. Will you give us the signs and passwords for this quarter?
It is the Orange order.