Aren't universities / art schools duty bound to keep lists of degrees, diplomas granted?

Am trying to track down old Dip AD qualifications from sixties and university certificate of post-graduate studies from seventies for friend but am being told by colleges and university 'it's a long time ago'.

Well, yes, it is a long time ago but that's beside the point. I'm sure, if someone wanted to disprove that my mate had these qualifications, they'd get the info - why is it so hard to get the positive proof of it? Any advice?

Your friend (or their employer) can call up the faculty of the university they attended and ask for their transcript. They should be in the alumni anyway. It shouldn't matter that is was from the 70's, it is kept on the records for a long time!

I doubt they would give you your friends transcript though, or release any information to you, due to confidentiality.