Explanatory Note
(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations, which extend to Scotland only, amend the Census (Scotland) Regulations 2000 (“the principal Regulations”), which made provision for the detailed arrangements necessary for the conduct of the census directed to be taken by the Census (Scotland) Order 2000.
These Regulations substitute new forms of return to be completed in accordance with the Census (Scotland) Order 2000 (as amended by the Census (Scotland) Amendment Order 2000 (S.S.I. 2000/) which are set out in Schedule 3 to the principal Regulations (regulation 2(7)).
In particular, the forms are amended to include a more detailed question on ethnicity and so as to include two questions on religion. The questions on religion are voluntary questions. By virtue of the Census (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2000 asp3, there are no criminal penalties for failing to answer the questions on religion. Also, the communal establishment form is amended.
The Regulations allow the Registrar General to make such arrangements as he thinks fit for the collection of particulars to be stated in forms of return (regulation 2(6)).
The Regulations revoke regulation 5 of, and Schedule 1 to, the principal Regulations (form of undertaking) (regulation 2(2)).
The Regulations also make other minor technical and drafting amendments.