SIR – The decennial census of UK population is due next year in 2011, but today is it really needed?

In 1801, when the census began, ‘national’ records of anything were few and far between, unlike today, when we are all under such intense surveillance in so many ways.

Also, much of the detail remains secret to the public for 100 years, only of use to future genealogists?

A Government minister has already warned of cost implications with the budget deficit, but is that the only reason for concern? After 13 years of Labour’s “open door” immigration policy, plus the enlarged EU allowing UK access to hundreds of millions if they so wish, any idea of controlling our borders or forecasting future population growth is unrealistic!

Maybe the Government fears what a census might show, bearing in mind that there are between one and two million people here illegally anyway, all of which makes it difficult to plan adequately for future resources of water, food, housing, employment, welfare benefits, health and education etc.

On top of that, ten years ago neither my house nor several neighbours got a census form at all! We all waited and waited for one to come, but none did before the deadline for return, making it pointless anyway.

D S Boyes, Rodley Lane, Leeds