HC Deb 08 July 1976 vol 914 cc654-5W
Mr. George Rodgers

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will seek to amend the Public Records Act 1958 with a view to enabling records of births, deaths and marriages to be transferred to the Public Record Office, so that they may be available for public inspection without the need to purchase certificates.

Mr. Deakins

Amendment of the Public Records Act 1958 is a matter for my noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor. He and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State are considering proposals for amendment of that Act and the Marriage and Registrations Acts to allow the transfer to the Public Records Office of the older records of births, deaths and marriages (possibly those more than 100 years old) now in the custody of the Registrar General.