Format/Length:	an2
NWDS ID:	PETH
NWDS Field Name:	Ethnic Category
ESR Field Name:	Ethnic Origin
National Codes:	See ETHNIC CATEGORY CODE 2001
Default Codes:	99 - Not known

Notes:
ETHNIC CATEGORY is the same as attribute ETHNIC CATEGORY CODE 2001.

The 16+1 ethnic data categories defined in the 2001 census is the national mandatory standard for the collection and analysis of ethnicity.

The national code must be transmitted as the first character in the 2 character field. The second character is optional for use locally. It must, however, be able to be grouped consistently with the 16 main categories.

National code Z should be used where the PERSON has been given the opportunity to state their ETHNIC CATEGORY but chose not to. Default code 99 should be used where the PERSON's ETHNIC CATEGORY is not known.

Note: for the Stop Smoking Services Quarterly Data Set default code 99 'Not Known' is not valid. 

This data element is also known by these names:

Context	Alias
plural	ETHNIC CATEGORIES