Parliamentary Papers

A selection of parliamentary papers can be accessed online for free or via paid subscription services.

The term ‘parliamentary papers’ (sometimes called sessional papers or blue books) is used to described a number of different documents.  Before starting your research you might find it useful to explore Parliament’s Making Laws pages which include information on the different types of parliamentary papers. You may also find the archived factsheets on House of Commons Papers and Command papers of some interest.

House of Commons

• Parliamentary Papers, 1715-2015
  UK Parliamentary Papers
  (Subscription service, available in universities and large reference libraries)

• Committee reports, 1997 to present
  Parliament.uk
  (Free Service)

• Command Papers and other Government papers, 2005 to present
  Gov.uk
  (Free service)

House of Lords

• Parliamentary papers, 1714-1911
  UK Parliamentary Papers
  (Subscription service, available in universities and large reference libraries)

• Committee Reports, 2001 to present
  Parliament.uk
  (Free service)

Deposited papers, (papers deposited in the House of Commons or House of Lords Libraries)

• House of Commons and House of Lords, 2007 to present
  Parliament.uk
  (Free service)

Accessing parliamentary papers offline

The Parliamentary Archives hold physical copies of:

• The working papers of Parliament
• Other papers produced by Parliament and its committees
• Papers presented to Parliament by outside bodies

Please search our online catalogue for the specific papers your require, or contact us for more information and if you wish to access hard copies of deposited papers.