§ Lord Northbourneasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have considered the long-term implications for parents and children of their policy to introduce the registration of births online. [HL2443]
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyThe information requested falls within the responsibility of the Registrar General, who has been asked to reply.
50WALetter from Len Cook, Registrar General, dated 10 April 2003.
As national statistician and registrar general for England and Wales, I have been asked to reply to your recent Question concerning whether there has been consideration given to the long-term implications for parents and children of the policy to introduce the registration of births online. (HL2443)
The development of the proposals in the Government's White Paper Civil Registration: Vital Change published in January 2002, took full account of the impact of civil registration reform on the needs of society, families and individuals. The system of civil registration will continue to play a vital role in securing and protecting basic human rights by continuing to provide a child with a name and status in society and evidence of parentage. It will also continue to uphold the rights of individuals to access information about themselves and their families. The General Register Office, those commentating on the White Paper and those involved in earlier consultation have not identified any detrimental effects of these changes.