(d) the document is stored for preservation or safe custody by a public authority, being a document which is a duplicate of a document of the public authority. Access to documents otherwise than under this Act 8. Nothing in this Act shall prevent a public authority from publishing or giving access to a document, otherwise than as required by this Act, where it has the discretion to do so or is required under any Act to do so. Request for access 9. (1) A person who wishes to obtain access to an official document shall make a request in the form set out in the Schedule, to the relevant public authority, for access to the document. (2) A request under subsection (1) shall identify the document or shall provide such information concerning the document as is reasonably necessary to enable the public authority to identify the document. (3) A request under subsection (1) may specify which of the methods of access under section 20 the applicant wishes to use. (4) Subject to section 17, a request may be made for access to all documents of a particular description that - Transfer of request for access (a) contain information of a specified kind; or (b) relate to a particular subject matter. 10. (1) Where a request is made to a public authority for access to a document and the request has not been directed to the appropriate public authority, the public authority to which the request is made shall, as soon as is reasonably possible, transfer the request to the appropriate public authority and inform the applicant accordingly. (2) Where a request is transferred to a public authority in accordance with this section, it shall be deemed to be a request made to that public authority and received on the date on which it was originally lodged. Duty to assist applicants 11. (1) A public authority shall take reasonable steps to assist the following persons to make a request in a manner which complies with section 9 (a) any person who wishes to make a request under section 9(1); or 8