In September 2000, Plaid Cymru backed a petition calling for the inclusion of a Welsh tickbox.

BBC: Census graphics

Despite this, Assembly Members unanimously backed a motion in December calling for a tickbox to be added.

BBC: Census graphics

And he appealed for people to fill in the form fully, however strongly they felt about a tickbox.

BBC: Census graphics

In October, Welsh Assembly First Minister Rhodri Morgan described the situation as "regrettable" that the case for tickbox had not been made earlier in the ONS discussions in Wales about its work.

BBC: Census graphics