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Reserved papers policy

Items in House of Lords committee papers may be ‘reserved' where there are strong reasons for confidentiality.

In such cases memoranda will not be disclosed and minutes will not include details of discussions. Personal details, such as the names of individuals, may also be redacted to protect privacy.

Committee papers and minutes may be reserved if they contain or relate to the following:

  • matters relating to security
  • matters which are commercial in confidence
  • matters subject or likely to be subject to legal proceedings and related formal advice
  • papers containing matters which are the subject of sensitive negotiations
  • papers containing information to which the Data Protection Act 1998 applies
  • matters provided to the House of Lords or its administration in confidence
  • material in draft form.

Lords Enquiry Service and FAQs

House of Lords FAQs

The Lords Enquiry Service provides information on the role, work and membership of the House of Lords.

  • Telephone: 0800 223 0855 (Freephone) or 020 7219 3107
  • Email: hlinfo@parliament.uk
  • Text Relay: 18001 7219 3107

The telephone enquiry service is open from 10am - 5pm Monday to Thursday, and 10am - 4pm on Fridays. During recess, the hours are 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm Monday to Friday.

Lords publications

Get free copies of House of Lords publications and briefings