Firm sought for Guernsey's electronic census

A company is being sought by the States of Guernsey to produce an electronic census for much of the Bailiwick.

The database will involve the islands of Guernsey, Alderney, Herm and Jethou, while Sark and Brecqhou have opted out.

The census will involve the collation of information already collected by States departments and could be in place by 2014.

A traditional census, due to be carried out in 2011, was cancelled in favour of an electronic database.

The Bailiwick's last census was carried out in 2001.

The Policy Council announced that expressions of interest for producing the new database would be accepted until 8 February.

Chief Minister Peter Harwood said: "This project will cost less than one traditional census."

Deputy Harwood said: "Information such as population demographic by parish and school catchment area will be available."