An interim census question asking residents if they have a work permit is too narrow and risks producing misleading data, an MHK has warned.
Lawrie Hooper, MHK for Ramsey, told Tynwald the yes-no format failed to capture whether someone actually needed a permit.
“I answered the question, no, I don’t have a work permit, but I don’t need one, and actually, the census question didn’t ask that,” Mr Hooper said.
The Lib Vannin added: “Lots of Manx residents will say, No, I don’t have a work permit because they don’t need one.”
Defended
Cabinet Office Minister David Ashford acknowledged the point. “The Honourable Member for Ramsey does make a very good point in the way that he’s put it across.”
However, he defended the interim census as deliberately short and focused on core indicators such as age, sex, nationality and employment status. “Interim censuses are, by their very nature, short,” Mr Ashford said.
The minister confirmed the next full census in 2031 would include more detailed questions on dual nationality and religious beliefs.