heres what Guy said about the subject in March 2006 ..
The report to the government made some false statements which clouded the situation.
1) That stated that there had been a promise that the census would be confidential for 100 years.
False, only the 1981, 1991 & 2001 census mentioned 100 years all other census simply said they would be confidential.
2) The statement stated that releasing the census earlier than 100 years would lead to a lack of confidence in its confidentiality.
False, when the 1911 census was taken all census were released after 75 years. In addition in 1871 the census officials in London divulged the names and addresses of all children 3-13 and their parents to the London School Board to help enforce compulsory education.
3) The statement stated that releasing the census earlier than 100 years would lead to a lack of confidence in its confidentiality.
False, Prior to the release of the 1901 census in 2002 it was possible to obtain the details of residents of a particular address on payment of a (large) fee.
This option ended with the release of the 1901 census and the subsequent Freedom of Information Act.
We must keep pressure on the government if we ever wish to see the 1911 census being released, if the pressure drops the census will not be released at all.
Why?
Because the promises made said the census would be treated as confidential, no time limit was imposed on this confidentiality.
You think that is not likely look at the precedent set with Civil Registers.
Until the 1890s it was possible to search registers held by Superintendent Registrars, until 1975 it was possible to search registers held by every local registrar. Now it is impossible to search registers held by Superintendent Registrars and many local Registrars refuse access to the registers in their keeping.
A similar situation is occurring when purchasing recent (within the last 50 years) certificates. The law states anyone may purchase any BMD certificate but Southport is trying to impose unlawful restrictions.
