1921 census

[Redroger]

My understanding is that it is always possible to get information from the next cednsus to be released providing that it is for a family member, and that the exact address is known.

[Guy Etchells]

No the situation changed in 2000.
Prior to that it was possible to apply for information from an unreleased census for a specific address on payment of a fee
That facility was abolished when the Freedom of Information Act was drafted, a point that was noted at the time.

Until the 1911 census was released it was possible to attempt to gain access to the 1911 census by using the Freedom of Information Act. Most such attempts failed but I managed to produce an argument that caused the Information Commissioner to rule in my favour. Shortly afterwards the GRO introduced an expensive search service as a stop gap until the census schedules were scanned and released online.

The reason I have not requested the National Archives change their statement is life is too short to bother with all the inaccuracies found there and elsewhere.
In addition they have already been forced to change similar statements and when all is said and done they are only a view not legal advice.

The present government are in the mood to amend legislation.
The present government are in the mood to accept suggestions that will create jobs and provide revenue.

The suggestion to release the 1921 census will create jobs in the UK (or Europe) if the contract is worded to ensure the jobs stay domestic.
The suggestion will create revenue.

Now is the time to attempt to get the law changed as the conditions are favourable.
Cheers
Guy

[Redroger]

If this is taken on board, it is to be hoped that the civil service work is not done by those who gave the wrong advise in 1991.
Worse, if 40% plus of the civil servants have been sacked and the ministers have to prepare their own legislation then there is no chance.
Sorry! I would like to think it will happen, and it does have the merit of being a useful diversion from their economic crisis, but remember these ministers expect to be exporting to China in a few years, this will probably be one of the things exported.
I stopped believing in Santa when I was 9!

[Berlin-Bob]

Personally I would have thought the whole idea of the forum is for people to express differing views.

Yes it is.

BUT ... any discussion that includes politics and government tends bring out the worst in many of us, with the result that such topics often degenerate quickly.


As has been noticed, the law is interpreted differently by different people and by different organisations and many thousands of lawyers earn a lot of money by arguing at length that a particular law means THIS and not THAT, while more thousands of lawyers earn a lot of money by arguing at length that the (same) law means THAT and not THIS.

Perhaps we should demand that on future topics, contributors preface their remarks with "In my opinion ...", "my interpretation of ... is ...", etc, etc.  And above all, we should all remember that it is possible to voice differeing opinions without getting personal.


This topic is now locked. 
The arguments are tending to repeat themselves and to repeat similar arguments on other, similar topics.


Bob

[Guy Etchells]

I am pleased to announce that not only have I had a favourable reply from the Prime Minister I have now received a favourable reply from the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The more Cabinet Ministers and M.Ps. get letters requesting a change in the legislation to allow access to the 1921 census the more they will discuss it between themselves and promote the relevant change in legislation.

If you have not written to a Cabinet Minister and/or a M.Ps. please do so the more letters they get the more importance they place on the change.

Please also visit the “Your Freedom website
http://tinyurl.com/2vju6b9 and rate the topic and add a comment.
As I believe in democracy I would encourage all, those for and those against to visit and comment.
Cheers
Guy


Moderator Comment: topics merged