This is an example of the type of request that will (at some time) come
under the Freedom of Information Act. In effect, you will need to determine
whether an exemption applies, and personal data comes within that category.
In short, proof that the data is about a dead person and no other exemption
applies, means you can release the information.
From my own personal circumstances, I traced information about by
grandmother from Birmingham University, whose archivists were very helpful.
My grandmother d.o.b was 1878!
Mike Lloyd
Assistant Head (ISELS)
ISELS
University of Glamorgan
Llantwit Road
Treforest
Pontypridd CF37 1DL
tel: 01443 482417
fax: 01443 482424
email: [log in to unmask]
> ----------
> From: Lisa Strachan
> Reply To: Lisa Strachan
> Sent: Monday, November 12, 2001 12:58 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: family history query
>
> Our archive has had an enquiry recently which has led to a great
> deal of discussion and no conclusion so I was hoping someone out
> there would have a definitive and, of course, blindingly obvious
> answer. The request is from a son for his father's employment
> record from a collection we hold. There is very little information
> indeed on the actual record but it does include his date of birth
> [1921]. The son has said that his father is dead but we have no
> proof of the death or even of the relationship. Where do we stand
> in relation to this information? can we assume death after a certain
> age as a policy [although i think i'd pick something higher than
> 80]? should we ask to see a death certificate for the father? It
> does seem like a lot of effort and possible pain being involved for a
> minute amount of information but we wouldn't wish to set an ill-
> judged precedent. if anyone can help, i'd appreciate it.
>
> lisa
>
> Lisa Strachan
> Senior Records Management Assistant
> Dundee University Archives
> Tower Building
> Nethergate
> Dundee DD1 4HN
> Scotland
>
> tel: +44 [0]1382 344095/345615
> [log in to unmask]
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