Press Association
Saturday 11th February 2012
An SNP minister has signalled a re-think over plans to ask "intrusive" census questions on how much people earn.
The draft population survey includes for the first time a section on household income.
But opposition MSPs are unhappy and warn that people may resist filling in the forms in March next year, leading to a poor rate of return.
Enterprise Minister Jim Mather outlined the census plan to Holyrood's Economy Committee and defended the questions on grounds that they will help tailor policies to tackle poverty.
But after hearing MSPs' concerns, he said: "I'm still getting the distinct impression that the intrusiveness of the question on estimated household income is something that gives members round the committee table here some difficulty."
Mr Mather conceded there is a "majority view" on the issue and added: "That being the case, based on the exchange today and the reflection that we have to do, it would be perhaps be better if we withdrew the order at this point in time to essentially continue the process of trying to achieve a consensual outcome."
Following the meeting, Labour committee member Lewis Macdonald MSP said: "I expect that Jim Mather will go away, have a think about it and realise that question simply will not stand and will be withdrawn.
"That's what I'm hoping will happen and that's what I now expect will happen. I was pleased he listened today. The income questions are too intrusive."
The Aberdeen Central MSP expressed concern that people in shared households, but not from the same family, would have to share personal financial details on their single form.
Conservative MSP Alex Johnstone said: "Ministers clearly believe their orders are not going to go through like that. He has conceded he's going to be defeated."
