They knew. They didn't care
I also have a letter from the Secretary of State that explicitly states that they would never do anything illegal.
Then spends the rest of the letter trying to say that the law doesn't apply to them.
Don't remember what I did with it though. I suppose I should write back with a photocopy and a "so I can never trust anything anyone in your position says, bevause you knowingly and intentionally break the law. Also, I reming the dishonest gentleman that ignorance is not a defence."