Genealogy Chat

There's a thread somewhere on the Tips Board about the Freedom of Information Act but basically the census doesn't apply to it and we wont get access any earlier under the FOI Ok...this is it! This is part of the rule for exemptions found at http://www.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/00036--e.htm#21 (1) Information is exempt if- (a) the information is held by the public authority with a view to its publication, by the authority or any other person, at some future date (whether determined or not), (b) the information was already held with a view to such publication at the time when the request for information was made, Given that the 1911 census is to be made available to the public in 2012, and that preparations are already underway for its release, it is exempt from the FOI. Lou

I'm glad you asked that David. I have been wondering about that too. Anyone know the answer? Sue xx

Does anyone know what effect (if any) the Freedom of Information Act has on access to the 1911 (& 1921 & 1951) census? I've heard that under the new act the 100 year confidentiality rule was abolished. I've had no replies to e-mails from the National Archives! Can anyone shed any light on this?

You are correct, Judith. It is no longer possible. Joy

Despite the fact that this would be another earner for Public Records Office I think (sadly) there is virtually no chance of them chucking the rule book out on this one - and if anyone remembers how the site went down when the 1901 census went online then I don't think they could cope if they did! But I agree with Irene that the local library is a fab source of records - electoral rolls and street directories often held right up to the present day, although they only (I believe) show head of household for earlier years. But they also often hold filmed copies of old newspapers and all sorts of wonderful stuff - I recently had the pleasure of looking through some original old Poor Relief Records which showed details of the land my GGGF farmed in 1870, with details of the rent he paid for the land etc. Talk to your librarians - they are a treasure trove of info and help.

You can't request look-ups, and even if you could, genealogy wouldn't be an acceptable excuse (it's not terribly important in the grand scheme of things and it's difficult to prove). There is a petition to get it released early but I wouldn't hold your breath. It's incredibly naive to think that the government will ignore the law, that qualified archivists will throw the rule book out of the window, reallocate money and resources and set a precedent just so you can find great-aunt Mildred.

Unless they change the rules, and it got voted out last time it was suggested, the 1911 census will become public on Jan 1st 2012. The old system for requesting a search of later censuses was of limited use as you had to specify the full name and address you were enquiring about; couldn't ask for all the people at a certain address or where a person was. I don't think that even that service is available now, I expect someone on here will know. Judith

there is a thread on the records office board with people petitioning to get it released early. I have put my name down. Vicky

When i was doing my father's tree 10years ago, i was able to request a search from the census department,i know they charged,but i am not sure if this is possible now,not that they found what i wanted...sandra

there is 100 years closure on each census so you will not be able to view it untill 2011

Hi there,trying to trace my great grandfather and family,does a 1911 census exist online,or if not how do i go about accessing it?? Thanks for any help!