Ah i see, interesting... Yeah as you stated it and provided a copy of the passport that would answer their question upfront. Just shows how thorough they are though, I wouldn't have thought they would even think to ask us for that.
Interesting about the certified copies too. I didn't get mine certified as I didn't think it was required but I just re-read the guidance notes for completing the partner application form and it states that they should be. Good to know you asked the question though and were told not to, I will stop stressing. I guess they will come back and asked them to be certified if they to be! Thank you :-)