People Count: A History of the General Register Office

Traces the historical background to the introduction of civil registration in 1837 and outlines the work of the General Register Office during a period of great social change. Contains extracts from past censuses, registration documents and quotes from the colourful and picturesque comments made by the Registrar General in drawing attention to the problems of the time. Also looks at how the information collected has been used in policy decisions, with particular emphasis on the growing demands for more medical and social data.