** I queried the difference between Scotland and England a decade or more ago, and the Reg Gen. in Scotland said that in Edinburgh you had free access to all the indexes, and to view a certificate before you purchased it; while in London you paid to see the indexes, and couldn't view certs in advance of purchase, to ensure it was the one you wanted. At that time the cost of a cert. was less in England than Scotland. He said if the cost of certs was reduced to English prices, then access to indexes and the cert. registers would be charged for. The online situation is different, now, but as it involves commercial ventures, run by different companies in Scotland and England, it may be that parliament can only give guidance (say, an upper limit for certs.) rather than be prescriptive. As I recall, prices for government services are set out in statutory instruments, rather than in primary legislation (which sticks to principles), so it may be that the petition is asking the wrong question! Gordon Johnson. On 01/09/2011 08:01, Jim wrote: >> >> This came via another list - worth a look and signing if you are a UK >> Citizen, regarding unauthorised research BMD copies being made available >> at >> a lesser cost. >> >> Jim Patterson >> >> See: - http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/1792 >>