Parliament's papers and records
The work of Parliament is captured in its papers and records. Each sitting day the debates, decisions and exchanges that take place in both Houses are recorded in detail and made available to the public.
Today these documents are made available online and can be found almost immediately. But Parliament's archive of older papers can also be accessed and, from 2026, they are being made available via The National Archives.
Find out more about the different types of papers and records that are used at Parliament, and how you can access them, on the pages below.
Find out more about the Order Paper and other papers that are issued each sitting day in Parliament.
Find out where to read Hansard, the official transcript of what is said in Parliament.
Find out where to look for the text of bills and Acts.
Find out more about the reports that are published by each House and the papers that are presented (laid) before Parliament.
Find out more about the Deposited papers collection and how they can be accessed.
Find out more about Command Papers and how to search for them.
Find out more about Parliament's archive of historical records dating from 1497 onwards, and how you can access them.
Find out about the politically impartial briefings and data produced by research teams at Parliament, and access them online.