Thank you to all who replied. I would have replied explaining that we
could not undertake any further free enquiries but it is reassuring to
know that I will not be doing anything unusual for a record offiice.
The most organised offices had a statement about how such enquiries
would be dealt with as standard on their site.
Others had a standard reply they sent, either with the first enquiry or
in reply to the second, ( or subsequently) warning them that subsequent
enquiries would need to use the paid research service.
There was variation between those who purely sent details of the paid
research service and those who also explained why they had the policy.
Many people pointed out that this nuisance happened with postal and
telephone enquiries as well and also that people tried different members
of staff!. Another frequent comment was that it was easy for offices not
to spot that this was happening at first.
Incidentally the reply to my direction to paid research was to say she
would leave it for a while! I wonder how long!
Thank you all once again
Anne
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