Ethnic statistics to be expanded

Official statisticians want to collect more detailed information

More information on ethnic groups is to be contained in official statistics, it has been announced.

A new way of recording people's ethnic background has been developed, with the number of groups included expanded from 14 to 21.

It has been designed to build a more accurate picture of Scotland's population and help identify discrimination.

It could be used in the next national census in 2011, if parliament approves.

New options have been added for those who describe themselves as white, allowing them to state if they are English, Welsh Northern Irish, Polish, or a gypsy/traveller.

A question on national identity is also being developed, so people could say if they feel they are "Scottish", "British" or have another national identity.

'Ethnically diverse'

Rob Wishart, Scotland's chief statistician, said Scotland had become a "more ethnically diverse country" and good information about that was needed.

He continued: "That will help ensure that public services are geared to everyone's needs and that any discrimination is detected."

"We believe that we have chosen a question which people can understand and answer easily, but which also allows people to record their ethnicity in the way which best suits them and provides the information which is needed to tackle discrimination and inequality."

The new classification will be included in the census questionnaire which the Scottish Parliament will be asked to approve in 2010.

Duncan Macniven, Scotland's Registrar General, said: "We will work closely with the Scottish Government and others to explain why the changes have been made and why it is important for people to use the census to tell the government about their ethnicity."