"Murdoch used sport to sell satellite TV. Ministers could use the Census Website to build eGovernment"

6.02.02

MP calls on Ministers to back the Census Website relaunch and use family history to kickstart public interest in eGovernment"

Speaking in the House of Commons this week, Edward Davey, MP for Kingston and Surbiton, argued that Ministers must intervene to ensure the collapsed 1901 Census Website achieves a successful relaunch as soon as possible. Edward Davey was speaking in a debate he asked the Speaker for, after the 1901 Census website launched on 2nd January this year, had to be taken down when unforeseen numbers of people tried to access the site.

(Keep trying on www.pro.gov.uk/census/)

Edward Davey argued that the overwhelming popularity of the website that led to its collapse reveals a vital insight for eGovernment - that the 1901 census website could be the "killer application" to kickstart the public's interest.

Commenting, Edward Davey said:

"Family history is one of the fastest growing hobbies not only in my constituency but also across Britain. The collapse of the 1901 Census Website was a huge frustration to millions of people in Britain and across the world. But it also provides a valuable insight into what people might really want from eGovernment.

"Rupert Murdoch realised he needed sport to sell his satellite TV business. Ministers must now realise the 1901 Census web could be key for early success in eGovernment - and so support its early relaunch."