HL Deb 02 August 1971 vol 323 cc994-5WA
BARONESS WOOTTON OF ABINGER

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What rules govern, and what limitations restrict, the publication of documents setting out Government policy in advance of, or subsequent to, legislation, whether in White Papers or in any other form.

EARL JELLICOE

Government policy in advance of legislation is usually set out in a White Paper. An explanation of the White Paper is usually issued in a Press Release. If legislation is not in progress or immediately in prospect a short version of the document may be made available to the public. After legislation has been enacted the Government may use all suitable means, including the publication of documents, to explain the contents of the Act.