"take it as read"

Example:
So if you would just like to take it as read that he's actually here, then he and I could slip off down to the pub for half an hour.

What is the meaning of: "take it as read"

Thanks in advance

Here's what you can find in the Cambridge International Dictionary of Idioms online:
- take it as read (British & Australian)
to accept that something is true without making sure that it is

there could be two reasons for that - one being that people believe anything written or two that at meetings, the minutes etc should be read out loud - so something 'taken as read' could be treated as if what should have been done was done.
(that is a principle used by a former boss when speaking to clients)