White Papers are detailed statements of Government policy, which set the broad principles for legislation, although not all White Papers lead to new laws.
White Papers are produced from time to time by departments and their publication is always accompanied by an oral statement to the Commons by the Secretary of State.
White Papers are drafted by civil servants in conjunction with Ministers.
All White Papers are approved by the Cabinet, members of which receive what is known as the ‘confidential final revise’ – the name given to the document before it is published (laid before Parliament).
A formal White Paper, often follows the publication of a preceding Green Paper.
