Correspondence concerning access to the T 71 series

Request

The National Archives has previously disclosed to me, under the FOIA (Freedom of Information Act), a letter dated 24 October 2008 from Natalie Ceeney - Chief Executive of The National Archives, Keeper of Public Records, and Government Head of Profession for Knowledge and Information Management - held under The National Archives CRM reference CRM:019805. That letter was written on behalf of Michael Wills, Minister of State for Justice and Human Rights, in response to a letter written to Michael Wills dated 8 September 2008 concerning access to the T71 Slave Registers on Ancestry.co.uk. Ms Ceeney’s letter states: 'Thank you for your letter of 8 September to Michael Wills, Minister of State at the Ministry of Justice. Your letter has been forwarded to me to reply on his behalf.'

The Ministry of Justice has confirmed, in its response to my FOI (Freedom of Information) request reference 260521073 dated 16 June 2026, that it does not hold the ministerial correspondence referenced in Ms Ceeney’s letter and has directed me to The National Archives as the likely custodian.

Information Requested

1. The letter to Michael Wills dated 8 September 2008, referenced in Ms Ceeney’s reply of 24 October 2008, concerning access to the T71 Slave Registers or Slavery Registers on Ancestry.co.uk.
2. The letter or communication from Michael Wills or his private office to The National Archives by which that letter was forwarded to Ms Ceeney for reply on his behalf.

I request disclosure in electronic form within the statutory 20 working days.

Outcome

Information not held.

Response

I can confirm that The National Archives does not hold information relevant to your request.

The National Archives does not hold the letter to Michael Willis dated 8th September 2008 or any communications from Michael Willis or his private office to The National Archives.