House of Commons Publication Scheme

This is the publication scheme for the House of Commons.

The House makes available a wide range of information about its work, whilst maintaining the heritage of parliamentary buildings and documents in trust for the public and for future generations. It also contributes to parliamentary democracy by sharing its knowledge with Parliaments and Assemblies worldwide.

The Freedom of Information ActStaff Guidance pages. Information about the departments and roles referred to in the procedures is provided in the House of Commons Commission Annual Report.

What are you looking for?

One of the aims of the Business papers of the House of Commons
Working documents and information about proceedings of the House (both in the Chamber and Westminster Hall), and Committee proceedings.

Information and services for the public
Guidance for visitors to the House of Commons, educational materials and information about the membership, work and history of the House and its buildings.

Research and background information
A range of information and briefing materials is available on topics of current parliamentary interest including new legislation and other issues.

Administration of the House of Commons
Information about the management and organisation of the House of Commons. The House of Commons Commission Annual Report contains a description of the roles and services of the Departments of the House, including organisation charts showing key positions and responsibilities.

Archive Services
The historical records of the House of Commons which are held by the Parliamentary Archives and the catalogue and finding aids.

The classes of information within these subject areas have been determined so as to explain clearly what publications are available about the different aspects of the work of the House of Commons. New publications are developed both in response to new business needs and to address issues of public interest identified by the House of Commons Information Office and other points of contact with the public. Information held by the House but not currently published is kept under review in order to identify further classes that can be added to the Publication Scheme. New classes will be added once they have been identified and approved.

From time to time, some publications will be revised or fall out of use and in this case it will not always be possible to provide out-of-date or out-of-print material. Records deemed worthy of permanent preservation are transferred to the Parliamentary Archives at the House of Lords, which provides a public enquiry service.

Some useful contact numbers for the House of Lords, government departments, political parties and other organisations are listed below.

Government Departments, local authorities and other public bodies
020 7270 3000

The House of Lords
020 7219 3107

The Scottish Parliament
0131 348 5000

The National Assembly for Wales
0845 6060599

The Northern Ireland Assembly
028 9052 1333

The Labour Party
08705 900200

The Conservative Party
020 7222 9000

The Liberal Democrats
020 7222 7999

Plaid Cymru
029 20 646000

Scottish National Party
0131 525 8900

Ulster Unionist Party
028 90 324601