The first National Economic Census has been facing problems trying to gather information in Beijing.

So far 40 per cent, or 345,000, units, companies, public organizations and private businesses have been seen to since August 1, says Cui Shuqiang, director of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Statistics.

The job is done by some 50,000 surveyors throughout the capital city.

But Cui said some central departments and organs of the local government are not co-operative.

Some private firms and business people have refused to answer the census, Cui said.

Some census workers have even been abused while trying to carry out their questionnaires, the official said.

Some said they will not register incomes and capital conditions at any person who should knock on the door."

On average, census workers will visit a unit for three to five times to fill in one form.

Vice-Mayor Zhang Mao said Tuesday that answering the Census was an obligation of people and businesses according to the law.

Those who abuse Census staff will be punished, sources said.

All of the 50,000 census workers have been guaranteed personal safety, Zhang said.

The work in Beijing will be finished by the end of this month. Statistics will be compiled in September and selected re-examinations carried out, sources with the office of the leading group of the Beijing municipal government for the first National Economic Census said.

It has vowed that the margin for error will be less one in 5,000.

Other provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions will start their own work in the latter half of August or in September, according to sources with the National Bureau of Statistics.

Source: China Daily