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Official Publications

Non-parliamentary publications

Government publications are referenced in a similar way to books, but the 'author' is usually the name of a Government department or committee, and the 'publisher' is HMSO (Her Majesty's Stationery Office) or TSO (The Stationery Office).

• In text citation:
• As a result of these events, a new direction was decided upon (Department for Education and Skills, 2007).
• Full reference:
• Department for Education and Skills (2007) Care matters: time for change. Norwich, TSO.

Acts of Parliament

Acts of Parliament are referenced by their title. The Act's chapter number is also included in the reference. In the example below, the year is 2006 and the chapter is 41, indicating that it was the 41st Act passed during 2006.

• In text citation:
• Following recent legislation patients' forums have become a tool for public involvement in the NHS (National Health Service Act, 2006).
• Full reference:
• National Health Service Act 2006 (ch. 41) London, TSO.

Acts passed prior to 1963 followed a slightly different format. If you need to reference an older Act please contact the library for assistance.

Hansard: Parliamentary Debates

• House of Lords Parliamentary Debates (Hansard)
• In-text reference:
• Baroness Coussins raised the issue as a point of order (HL Deb 2010-11, vol 721, col 3)
• Full reference:
• HL Deb (2010-11) [Internet] vol 721, col 3 Available from http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201011/ldhansrd/
  [Accessed 2 June 2011).
• If there was a series you would put that in before the vol number so e.g. if it was series 3 you'd put HL Deb (2010-11) 3s, vol 721, col 3. 
• Cite House of Commons debates similarly, but use HC Deb

Note: Should you need to reference other types of Government publications, such as Command papers, House of Commons papers or Statutory Instruments, please contact the library.