In order to avoid some of the problems connected with the census of the population and with the intention of actualizing the latter and providing the Federal administration as a whole with a rational means to obtain the necessary information on living conditions in the country, the Swiss Federal Statistical Office is planning to introduce annual sample surveys. It has spent a two years experimental stage working out contents and solutions to methodical and organizational problems. The planned household survey will consist of two parts, a general programme with demographic and socioeconomic variables and a specific programme. Two sample sizes will be used to get representative national or cantonal results. Written and/or oral survey methods will be chosen in accordance with the subject; telephone interviews with the help of a computer terminal will be one of the favourite methods. Participation will be optional. Before the end of this year, the Government will decide whether this statistical instrument is to be adopted.