I know that there are a number of petitions being organised on this topic, but the one on the 10 Downing Street web site may well be the one that has the most hope of success. At present, our UK Census returns are released as public information after 100 years have elapsed since the information was gathered. So, the 1901 census was released in January 2002 (with a few "slips 'twixt cup and lip"!). The proposal is to reduce this private period to 70 years which would lead to the early release of the 1911 and 1921 Census returns. The 1931 Census was completely destroyed by fire many years ago and there was no 1941 Census taken due to WW2; so if this proposal is accepted, the next Census to be released would be that taken in 1951 which would appear in 2022 - and would contain the name of yours truly, which is a sobering thought! Now there has been a recent legal challenge on the subject of the 1911 Census which has led directly to a press announcement from The National Archives that they will begin preparation for the early release of that part of the 1911 Census which does not contain sensitive information. The intention is to exclude some data e.g. the data relating to various disabilities, but to enable searches of names, addresses etc. This partial release is planned for 2009 with the entire Census being made available in 2012 as originally planned. You can read more about this change of direction on the TNA web site at URL http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/1911census/?homepage=news . However, currently there is no intention to release the 1921 Census before 2022. That's where this 10 Downing Street petition comes in. It is asking for the closure period for all UK Census returns to be reduced to 70 years, thus making possible the early release of the 1921 Census. So far, under 8,000 people have signed the petition and we need many more signatures than that to make an impact on our Decision Makers. All British Citizens and people resident in Britain or her Territories abroad, can sign. If you wish to add your name to this petition, go to URL http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/CensusInfoFreed/ and enter your details. Don't delay too long, the Petition closes on 08 March 2007. Best wishes Marion Woolgar Bognor Regis, West Sussex