Genealogy Chat

Isn't the 100 year closure something to do with the fact that promises were made by the government of the time to keep the records private for that length of time?

Michael,

Nice idea, but this doesn't take into account the huge cost of scanning the records electronically and creating the search indexes, nor the cost of providing and running the servers on which to store the data.

Are you really saying that we should pay for something which was already financed through taxes and which is public property?

I would certainly support a campaign for a free issue of the 1921 census but much nearer to 1921. Don't forget there are still many living people whjo were born prior to 1921.

Michael

Not something I will be adding my signature to.

I am posting the following on behalf of Guy Etchells, who successfully campaigned for the early release of the 1911 census for England and Wales.

In times of economic stress such as these, the government might be open to any idea that could generate useful revenue and the 1921 census is one such project.

A way to generate income, provide jobs and boost the economy all at the same time without making cuts. Such a policy must be popular with the electorate.

The National Audit Office report on the release of the 1901 census stated that the internet access to the 1901 generated revenues of £4.5 million by October 2003, less than one year.

In five years that amounts to a conservative sum of £22.5 million and useful figure for even a government to play with.

I would therefore like to suggest a campaign to encourage the government to release the 1921 now.

Now is the time to write to Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament and we may be able to obtain a change in policy.

I have added a posting to the new hmg Your Freedom site

http://tinyurl.com/2vju6b9

If you want access to the 1921 census please visit and add your vote there. Your vote is important please use it.
Cheers,
Guy