An exhibition staged by the Census and Statistics Department was aimed at informing the public about its work. It was held at Wanchai Tower as part of the department's 30th anniversary celebrations. It introduced an Internet homepage, frequently used social and economic statistics, and various publications. Leslie Tang Wai-kong, the Senior Statistician with General Statistics Branch (1), said the exhibition would help raise public awareness of statistics. 'Statistics are a part of our life, he said. 'They are the most reliable index to reflect situations. 'Statistics also play an important and significant role in education, economics and science. 'Even in their day-to-day work, the Government and private sector have to rely on objective, reliable and timely statistical information to draft their strategy plans and policy.' Mr Tang said statistical training had been part of the secondary curriculum for some time, with students eager to study the subject. Many students, however, still had problems interpreting statistics. Mr Tang said that in a well-prepared statistical report the researcher should have included details about the survey - such as methodology and response rate - and should have provided objective comments reflecting the reliability of the findings. Other musts include the sampling method, sample size and interviewing method. There also should be details on the margins of error and the exact wording of the questions. 'If the mass media do not present data they collect in an objective way, they will mislead the public,' Mr Tang said. The Census and Statistics Department was set up in 1957. It is a government body which provides statistics-related services to the public and reliable figures for industrial and commercial development. Its work can be classified into three main categories. These are: Conducting surveys and producing social and economic statistics in such areas as population, trade and industry, and employment and prices. Performing statistical analysis and conveying statistical data. Analytical results and consultation and support services on statistical matters.
