British Parliamentary Papers : Home

This guide is meant for those beginning research in British Parliamentary Papers. 

• Sessional (or Parliamentary) papers are the working documents of each session of Parliament and can be divided into three types: Bills, Reports and Command Papers 
• Journals record the proceedings and decisions made in each house. Journals have been printed for each session of Parliament since 1509 for the Lords (preceded by the Rolls of Parliament) and since 1547 for the Commons (except for the period 1584-1601).
• Debates are the record of the actual discussion on the floors of both houses.