Parliamentary copyright

Parliamentary copyright covers materials such as Hansard, the Weekly Information Bulletin and parliamentary papers eg. Command papers and Reports of Select Committees. HMSO (Her Majesty's Stationery Office) allows students and private researchers to make single copies for personal use.

Parliamentary Copyright lasts 50 years from the year the work is made, with some exceptions.

Crown copyright

Most other government publications are governed by Crown Copyright (although see note below for legislation). The rule of fair dealing applies with regards to copying.

Crown Copyright lasts 50 years from the year first published or 125 years if unpublished.

Waiver of copyright on legislation

The Government has waived the original Crown Copyright on legislation. It is now possible to legally make copies of UK statutes and statutory instruments. Some restrictions do exist regarding the use of these materials..

Further information about all aspects of HMSO copyright can be accessed here.