I know there has been many debates about this subject and if it should be released for the public, but look at what i just found:-
"Fears that the National Archives is unlawfully preventing Freedom of Information access to the UK 1911 census
By Denis McCready
Parliament abolished the 100-year census closure rule when it passed the Freedom of Information Act 2000. But, for reasons that aren’t immediately obvious, the government has kept this important change in the law secret for more than 5 years and the National Archives seems to be trying to impose a new, unlawful,100-year closure rule.
On 7 June 2005, Harriet Harman MP, a minister, confirmed (in House of Commons Written Answer 1845) that Schedule 5 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 abolished Instrument No. 12 (1966) and the 100-year closure rule for ALL English & Welsh census records, with effect from 1st January 2005. Ms Harman said:
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, extended closure Instrument No. 12 of 1966 ceases to apply.
Before it was abolished, Instrument No. 12 of 1966 stated that Decennial Census records held by the Public Record Office/National Archives (but NOT those held by the Registrar General) shall be closed to inspection for 100 years. So we now know for certain that the old 100-year closure period was abolished by the Freedom of Information Act.
But anyone who asks the National Archives about the 1911 Census and the 100-year closure rule could be in for a big surprise. Here's an example of what can happen. Janette Byers of Bootle, Merseyside L20 7DF, emailed the NA, saying: Are there any plans for the information contained in the 1911 census UK being released? I understand that the 100 year rule has been abolished. Edward Hampshire, Remote Enquiries Duty Officer at the NA, replied by implying that Ms Harman’s statement on 7 June 2005 was not true. So who should we believe, Harriet Harman or Edward Hampshire?"
Just wondered what are your thoughts? Is it true the 100 year rule was abolished?
Best wishes
Pauline
