(2) what measures will be implemented following the proposed closure of the Family Records Centre in Islington in April 2008 to meet the needs of customers with learning disabilities and people who do not have English as their first language;
(3) whether the Registrar General complied with her duty to consult (a) staff and (b) their representatives in connection with the proposed closure of the Family Records Centre in Islington in April 2008.
The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Registrar General, who has been asked to reply.
Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 5 September 2007:
As National Statistician and Registrar General for England and Wales, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions asking (i) whether a public search room in Central London will be provided should the proposed closure of the Family Records Centre in Islington in April 2008 go ahead; and whether a change in the law is required before this facility may be withdrawn; (ii) what measures will be implemented following the proposed closure of the Family Records Centre in Islington in April 2008 to meet the needs of customers with learning disabilities and people who do not have English as their first language and (iii) whether the Registrar General complied with her legal duty to consult in connection with the proposed closure of the Family Records Centre in Islington in April 2008 (a) staff and (b) their representatives. (153732, 153733, 153734)
The General Register Office will not provide a public search room in Central London following the closure of the Family Records Centre. The Births & Deaths Registration Act 1953 requires the Registrar General to make available a public index for birth, marriage, death and civil partnership but does not state a geographical location. There is therefore no requirement to change legislation.
The National Archives at Kew have copies of the GRO indexes on microfiche and between April 2008 and March 2009 will be provided with copies of the Adoptions and Civil Partnership indexes and the most recent birth, deaths and marriage indexes.
GRO provides assistance through its call centre staff in Southport for people with learning disabilities to provide advice and guidance in obtaining the required certificate. The call centre uses Language line where necessary for customers who do not have English as their first language. The provision of these facilities is not changing.
I can confirm that I have met my obligations in relation to consultation with staff and their representatives on the closure decision.