National Archives
The National Archives is the official archive and publisher for the UK Government, and for England and Wales and holds over 1,000 years of public records of national importance. Requests to the National Archives can be made for:

• information in the archives that was transferred to the National Archives from other government departments
• information from the National Archive's own administrative records




Around 5% of the National Archives' records are available online. 



 A request for the release of material held by the National Archives can prompt the National Archives, in consultation with the originating body, to consider if a "closed" record should remain closed. The request will result in the release of a copy of the material if it is deemed appropriate to release it.* 



The National Archives has a record copying service which can be used to obtain digital copies of documents, not previously digitised, for a fee. The Freedom of Information Act does not provide a route for avoiding these fees as the exemption applying to information accessible by other means will usually apply - though that exemption is subject to a reasonableness test. There is no exemption for material accessible by other means under the Environmental Information Regulations, so requests for environmental information should not be rejected on such grounds.*  

Regulations allow the National Archives to make charges in respect of some requests for information. Requesters will be notified in advance if a charge is payable.





The Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI), which runs His Majesty's Stationery Office (HMSO), is part of the National Archives. OPSI publishes the London Gazette, the Belfast Gazette, the Edinburgh Gazette and the legislation.gov.uk website so requests in relation to them should also be made to the National Archives.

 The National Archives was previously known as the Public Records Office.