Topics
Definition and Purpose
1. Parliamentary Deposited Papers are documents placed in the Libraries of the House of Commons and House of Lords, typically by government ministers, as a means of sharing information with Parliament without formal publication. This practice, established in 1832, allows for efficient distribution of information often requested by MPs or Members of the Lords during debates or parliamentary questions.
Content Types
2. The papers may contain various materials including data tables, correspondence, research findings, maps, and diagrams.
Depositors
3. While government ministers are the primary depositors, the Speaker of the House of Commons, Lord Speaker, and MPs acting for specific bodies like the Church Commissioners can also deposit documents. Backbench MPs cannot deposit papers.
Organisation and Access
4. All deposited papers are numbered chronologically by calendar year and maintained as a single collection by both House Libraries.
Online database
5. Since 2007, these documents have been made available digitally to the public through an online database, which includes records dating back to 1987.
6. Earlier papers (pre-2007) exist in hard copy and can be accessed through the Parliament’s Enquiry Services.
Current Access
7. For the most current papers or those referenced as pending deposit, the House of Commons or House of Lords Enquiry Service should be contacted directly. Public and media requests are fulfilled only after documents are published online.