2001 CENSUS FOR THE BLIND

Early day motion 480, tabled 22 March 2001 by Andrew George (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 67 members.

That this House welcomes the Office of National Statistics' (ONS) intention to ensure that 2001 Census forms will be made available in alternative formats on request, but regrets that the ONS has no plans to provide visually impaired or deafblind people with 2001 Census forms in alternative formats or to accept Census returns on anything other than the standard small print form; is concerned that individuals with a significant visual or dual sensory impairment will therefore be required to request assistance in making their Census returns and thus have no option but to share information about their personal circumstances with others; believes that preventing visually impaired and deafblind people from making independent returns constitutes less favourable treatment in relation to their sighted peers; urges the Government to take swift action to ensure that the 2001 Census returns by visually impaired and deafblind people will be accepted in alternative formats; and calls on the Government to ensure forms for use in future Censuses comply with the Royal National Institute's Clear Print Guidelines and are also produced in alternative formats.

Signatures by party: Labour 36, Liberal Democrat 19, Conservative 3, Labour/Co-operative 3, Plaid Cymru 3, Scottish National Party 2, UUP 1.