This section explains the processes to correct laid Command, House of Command and un-numbered Act Papers appropriately.
If an error or omission is noticed in a parliamentary paper after laying, contact the Journal Office and the framework supplier (HH Global) as a matter of urgency. In addition, organisations with parent departments must inform their parent department.
The Journal Office decides how a paper is corrected. The options are generally:
- ‘stickering’
- a correction slip; or
- withdrawing and re-laying the paper
Any of the options may involve additional cost. Where possible, to minimise cost, corrections should be dealt with before initial print distribution and web publishing.
Amendments to laid papers not should be published or distributed without Journal Office approval.
Stickering
‘Stickering’ takes place if a minor error is identified after a document has been printed, but generally before laying and initial publication.
If this is the case, any print copies should have a sticker with the correct text placed over the erroneous text.
The framework supplier can produce stickers if required.
The document’s digital versions should be corrected for laying and publication.
Correction slips
Correction slips are used where an error or omission is noticed after laying has taken place.
Correction slips are usually used to correct typographical errors, not factual inaccuracies.
Journal Office approval must be obtained before correction slips are distributed in print or online.
Please use the relevant correction slip template below and refer to the examples of filled out correction slips. Templates are also held by the framework supplier:
House of Commons Paper correction slip template (DOC, 0.02 MB)
The House of Commons Paper template can be adapted for un-numbered Act Papers.
Command Paper correction slip template (DOC, 0.02 MB)
Examples of completed correction slips (PDF, 0.08 MB)
Once correction slip content has been agreed with the Journal Office, final slips should be emailed to the Vote Office in the House of Commons and the Printed Paper Office in the House of Lords.
After the parliamentary offices have been notified, correction slips should be supplied to the paper’s known recipients.
The paper’s online versions should be updated with the correction slip where ever published.
In PDFs, correction slips need to be embedded before the contents page. In HTML versions, correction slip text should be copied and pasted underneath the laying and copyright details but before the main body of the document. The original text should not be changed.
The landing pages of GOV.UK documents also need to be updated to advise a change has occurred since laying. This is via a ‘public change note’ which will appear on the landing page under ‘Updates’.
GOV.UK provides guidance for web publishers under ‘Update already published official documents’.
These steps help ensure clarity on laid paper content and provide an audit trail.
The framework supplier’s services support the correction slip process, including issuing updated bibliographic data.
Withdrawing and re-laying a paper
If the error or omission is significant the Journal Office may require the paper to be withdrawn, corrected and re-laid.
If a paper is to be re-laid, it will require a new ISBN from the framework supplier.
If the paper is a Command Paper, a new Command Paper number will be needed from The National Archives. If a House of Commons Paper, ask the Journal Office if a new HC number is required.
A new ISBN and paper number will help users identify the paper’s different versions.
The re-laid version may also need additional text on the title page to explain that it is a new version of a previously laid and withdrawn document. The Journal Office can advise on this.
The framework supplier provides services to support this process, including replacement bibliographic data.
If a paper is withdrawn without re-laying, ask the supplier to cancel the original paper’s previously issued bibliographic data. The supplier can also securely pulp any remaining printed copies of the withdrawn paper.
Costs to correct a paper
If the error is the fault of the paper’s authoring organisation, the organisation will be liable for any additional costs involved. If the error is the fault of a supplier, then it will be liable for the costs involved.
It is the responsibility of the authoring organisation to check the paper’s final proofs and approve for laying and publication.