This note continues an annual series on mortality rates in Great Britain; the previous note in the series appeared in J.I.A. 111, 181 and dealt with mortality in 1981.

Following the 1981 Census, revised estimates of the ‘home’ population of England and Wales since 1961 have been published. These allow for revision of past estimates in the light of the Census and also for a new definition of ‘home’ population, which brings the concept closer to that of ‘resident’ population. The ‘home’ population is now defined as including residents temporarily outside the country but excluding foreign visitors. It includes members of both H.M. and foreign forces stationed in the United Kingdom but excludes members of H.M. forces who are stationed abroad.