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Finding Official Publications

What are 'White' and 'Green' Papers?

A 'white paper' is a published statement of government policy or strategy.  White papers often include the reasons for, and some details of, planned legislative change.

A 'green paper' refers to government consultation on policy.  Green papers often outline thinking and alternatives, but are seeking views from interested parties before proceeding.

A 'green paper' is often, but not always, followed by a 'white paper' on the same subject.

Finding White and Green Papers

All 'white papers' and some 'green papers' are published in the Command Paper series, so if you know that you need a Command Paper , please see the guidance given via the Command Papers sub-tab above.

For those 'green papers' which are not Command Papers, please see the guidance given via the Non-Parliamentary  sub-tab above.

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