Households will be asked to support and participate in the 2004-05 Household Expenditure Survey, now underway.

Census & Statistics Commissioner and Statistics Advisory Board Chairman Frederick Ho said the survey is essential for updating data on the basket of consumer goods and services for compiling the Consumer Price Indices.

The survey, conducted by the Census & Statistics Department every five years, will collect up-to-date information on household expenditure patterns. The 2004-05-based CPIs will be released to the public in April or May 2006, while the full report on the survey will be published in mid-2006.

Labour force projection

At a recent meeting, board members were briefed on the survey methodology and procedures, and have reviewed the main scope of government statistical work.

Members were informed that a new set of Hong Kong labour force projections covering the period 2004-2023 has been compiled with reference to the 2003-based population projections and the trends of the sex-age specific labour force participation rates. The results provide useful statistics on the size and composition of the labour force, which are important determinants of economic development.

Also reported at the meeting is the latest development of a comprehensive set of science and technology statistical indicators, covering research and development inputs, human resources, patents, external technology flow, publications and technological innovation.

New plan

Members supported a plan to develop a collection of statistical indicators for describing a knowledge-based economy, with due regard to data comparability, availability and relevance.

They were updated on the progress of a functional review conducted by the department which aimed to examine its services to the government and the wider community with a view to identifying further enhancements to the official statistical system.

At the meeting, the board also reviewed other statistical developments, including compilation of population projections, revision of survey design for collating employment and vacancy statistics; and the strengthening of ties with the Mainland's statistical authorities.