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.
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.