Census and Statistics Department
| 政府統計處 | |
|
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| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 4 December 1967 |
| Jurisdiction | Government of Hong Kong |
| Headquarters | 21/F., Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong |
| Employees | 1,298 (March 2010) [1] |
| Annual budget | 553.4m HKD (2009–10) [2] |
| Agency executive |
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| Parent agency | Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau |
| Website | www.censtatd.gov.hk |
Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) is the provider of major social and economic official statistics in Hong Kong. It is also responsible for conducting Population Census and By-census in Hong Kong since 1971.
The history of population censuses in Hong Kong can be traced back to the 1840s. According to early government records, the first set of census results were published in the 2nd issue of H.K. Govt. Gazette (1841 May). Regular population censuses have been taken ever since, except for the main gap between 1931 and 1961. In addition to population censuses, other statistics like number of ships entered, trade tonnage, public revenue and expenditure, death rate for European and American residents, number of schools, school attendance, number of prisoners and police strength were collected through various government departments in a scattered fashion. More details can be found in the Historical and Statistical Abstract of the Colony of Hong Kong published by the then Government House.
In 1947, a Department of Statistics was set up under Mr. W. G. Wormal to organize a statistical system, working on such matters as retail price index and trade statistics. With the abortion of the idea of a population census scheduled for 1948 due to great fluctuations in the population in those few years, the Department of Statistics was disbanded in 1952. In its place a Statistics Branch was set up in the then Commerce and Industry Department headed by Mr. C. T. Stratton. Its work mainly concentrated on economic statistics, in particular trade statistics.
In 1959, following the decision to hold a population census in 1961, a temporary Census Department was set up with Mr. K. M. A. Barnett as Commissioner. It was disbanded in 1962 after the completion of the census operation. In 1963, Mr. Barnett was appointed Commissioner of Census and Statistical Planning in an office forming part of the then Colonial Secretariat with the immediate task of preparing a report on the statistics in Hong Kong and subsequently the further task of conducting a by-census in 1966. It was only following recommendations made by Mr. Barnett that the Census and Statistics Department was formally established in 1967 December.
1967
Mr. K.W.J. Topley appointed Commissioner for Census and Statistics.
Hong Kong Population and Housing Census 1971 conducted.
1973
First report on estimates of Gross Domestic Product covering the period 1966–71 published. Mr. D.S. Whitelegge appointed Commissioner for Census and Statistics.
First Labour Force Survey conducted.
Hong Kong By-Census 1976 conducted.
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