Access To The 1911 Census Allowed

In an unprecedented move, The National Archives of England and Wales have launched its Freedom of Information request service to see entries from the 1911 Census.

The service has been launched online at www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/1911census as an interim system in advance of the digital release of the records, as a response to the Information Commissioner’s decision notice to address access to the 1911 Census.  Usually census information is only released 100 years after it was taken to protect the privacy of individuals.

The Information Commissioner ruled in December 2006 that The National Archives could supply specific information from the 1911 Census in response to Freedom of Information (FOI) requests. However, the Information Commissioner’s ruling also means that to protect personally sensitive information the 1911 Census must remain closed as a whole document until 2012.

In response to this ruling The National Archives is hoping to start to provide online access to the 1911 Census, through an approved partner, as early as 2009. Originally, the digital release was expected in January 2012. However, the Information Commissioner’s decision allows The National Archives to produce an online name and address search of the census in advance of this date, with only the personally sensitive data remaining closed until 2012.

The 1911 Census is a huge document; only one copy of it exists, on paper, in the handwriting of those who completed the census. The National Archives recognises that the Information Commissioner’s decision means it needs to respond to requests that arrive before 2009.  A special FOI service to deal with requests for information contained in the 1911 census before the online service commences has now launched. Requestors should fill in an online application at: www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/1911census where the exact, following information will need to be supplied:

The 1911 census does not have a name index, so it is only possible to supply information based on an address search. Researchers using this service will currently be charged a non-refundable research fee of £45 that will cover the costs of each search. Applications can be made in writing, rather than through the online system, to The National Archives, but these requests must also state the exact required information. No personally sensitive data will be disclosed before 2012.

For more details on how to make an FOI request to see an entry from the 1911 Census visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/1911census

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