Government is in the process of collecting information from around 1,500 Island businesses and organisations to monitor economic activity.

Questionnaires were mailed out this week by the Department of Statistics, which is gathering data for the annual Economic Activity Survey (EAS).

Fifteen industrial sectors, ranging from agriculture to international business, have been targeted, a Government statement said yesterday.

The survey does not apply only to businesses, but to any organisations that buy or sell goods or services, including schools and churches, for example.

All organisations with seven employees or more will be surveyed, while some with less than seven staff will be randomly selected.

In its statement, the Statistics Department said: "All entities contribute to the economic growth of the economy regardless of how small the operation...

"The information collected will help to measure the growth of the economy accurately and develop a range of statistics used in comparing the economic performance of the industry. It is for this reason that reliable and relevant economic data will enhance the quality of decision making both in the public and private sectors."

The survey is being conducted under the Statistics Act 2002, which guarantees that all information provided by survey respondents will be kept confidential. If assistance is needed in completing questionnaires, technical support officers will be available to help by calling 294-9051 or 294-6003.