Four very different mechanisms for the collection of income data were used, but despite the different methodologies, similar problems were identified. Ms Stott posed several questions to the meeting about the need to look at the objectives of collecting income data and the range and main uses of the data before setting standards for collection. The Chair thanked Ms Stott for introducing the papers and posed some additional issues for discussion. . Delegates discussed issues relating to poverty. Mr Pedro Sainz advised that the UN expert group on poverty measurement will be meeting in May 1997.
Poverty is an international issue.
There are many different measures of poverty that can be considered, ranging from extreme poverty lines based on nutritional requirements, to relative poverty indicators and measures of discretionary expenditure. It is also important to know the profile of people in poverty, not just numbers. Joint measures of poverty should be considered, based on the uses and users of the information. Poverty measures must be understood and improved on. The issue of health care in the United States was raised as significant when looking at measures of poverty.