Like other archives in former coalfield areas we've been dealing with a
large number of enquiries relating to miners compensation claims over the
last 2-3 years. Most of these have been from solicitors, requesting copies
of coroners inquests. We've charged them our standard research fee,
currently £20 and they've been content to pay (no doubt passing the charge
on to the client).
Recently the government appointed a contractor to get copies of inquests for
claims where they had not been already provided. After a bit of toing and
froing this firm also agreed to pay our charge.
However, this week the DTI have sent round a circular stating that they are
only willing to pay £10 per inquest "in order that archivists do not suffer
a financial burden".
I'd be most interested to hear from other record offices how they have dealt
with these enquiries. Replies off list please, but I'll summarise if people
are interested.
Liz Rees
Chief Archivist
Tyne & Wear Archives Service
Blandford House, Blandford Square, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4JA
Tel. 0191 232 6789, Direct line (new) 0191 277 2241
Fax 0191 230 2614
External e-mail: [log in to unmask]
Web page: www.thenortheast.com/archives/
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