Many years ago I was needing to look at the last census which was nit then available. I read somewhere that you could apply and be given only the minimum info. I wrote in and gave my reasons stating that I was his next of kin etc and was given enough information that helped me at the time. If they can do this then they should change the rules so we can look say after 70 yrs. 50 would be even better but that will never happen.
Yes I totally agree but the powers that be put an end to that.
The PRO (as it was called then) even published a Records Information Leaflet (PRO Finding Aids No. 14) telling the researcher how to apply for the information. They were not frightened to demand a good fee for releasing the information either.
It should also be mentioned that in October 1998 the Advisory Council on Public Records made a statement with the following conclusion
"The Council considered the appropriateness of the closure period of 100 years which applied to the decennial census of population. It concluded that since undertakings of confidentiality had been given in the past by successive governments to people making returns, any reduction in the closure period for censuses up to that taken in 1991 would be a breach of confidence. It also felt, however, that a shorter period, of 80 years for instance, might be appropriate for future censuses."
As later census have contained even more assurances such as not being released for 100 years there is little chance of and census being released “early” and a very good chance of any more census ever being released as the 1921 Census Act as amended prohibits the release of any such information ever.
Cheers
Guy
