I’d Like To Know

Q Can you tell me a little bit about the history of the UK census and how long the information remains confidential? Miss C.L., Reading. A The data which is collected every 10 years remains confidential for 100 years, so as the census for England has just been collated, it means that information from 1921 should be released early next year. Census-taking dates back to the Babylonians, and the Romans conducted a census every five years to count citizens and determine taxation.

The first official census carried out in England, Wales and Scotland was in 1801 – and today, the data collected by the Office for National Statistics builds a picture of life in Britain and helps when it comes to planning for everything from healthcare to housing and infrastructure. Everyone is required by law to complete it, even the Royal Family.

Scotland has delayed the census until next year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Q Where does the expression flash in the pan come from? Mrs E.F., Jedburgh.

A It’s thought to derive from the flash of gunpowder in the pan of a flintlock musket, then failing to discharge the ball from the weapon. The expression came to mean anything with initial success that is short-lived.

Q My friend was telling me about electric car charging points that harness tidal water to power electric cars. As we’re an island, it sounds like a great idea. Where is this project taking place? Mrs Y.B., Scarborough. A The electric car charging point is in Yell at Cullivoe Marina in Shetland, and it’s thought to be the first of its kind in the UK to be powered entirely by tidal energy.