Thank you to all those who replied off-list to my query of yesterday. In case you are in the same position, I thought it might be useful to post the following guidance received from the PRO: <I have just seen your message on the archives-nra. As these are public records, I thought it might be helpful if I offer the following advice.The PRO does open seals where the information is required but a conservator does it and it is recorded that it has been done. It is quite in order to give access to the information so long as it is done carefully, and what is done is documented. Justin Frost Acting Head of Archive Inspection Services Department PRO, Kew> Kim Collis West Glamorgan Archive Service ********************************************************************** This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. www.swansea.gov.uk ********************************************************************** %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%