White paper and green paper

[Dom Tuk]

Whats the difference between a government white paper and green paper

[Loosehead]

A green paper is a sort of discussion document, often covering several options in a subject area, for debate. A white paper often follows a green paper when the path to be taken is more clearly defined.

[ICEMANSAV]

As loosehead said. The green paper is like a form of sketch pad of ideas for the bill. This is a document that is merely at the planning stage. The white paper is a revision of that document which is then put into a more deciphererable context. There has to be no mistakes on the white paper and often has to be completely re-written for simple things such as gramatical error and spelling mistakes. Good thing I don't write them! ;-)

[inferno]

Taken from a Govt website:

'A Green Paper is a consultation document issued by the government which contains policy proposals for debate and discussion before a final decision is taken on the best policy option. A Green Paper will often contain several alternative policy options. Following this consultation the government will normally publish firmer recommendations in a White Paper.

A White Paper is a document issued by a government department which contains detailed proposals for legislation. It is the final stage before the government introduces its proposals to Parliament in the form of a Bill. When a White Paper is issued, it is often accompanied by a statement in the House from the secretary of state of the department sponsoring the proposals. A White Paper is sometimes produced following the consultation process which is undertaken when the government issues a Green Paper.'

and this from the UK Parliament website:

'WHITE PAPERS are issued by the Government as statements of policy, and often set out proposals for legislative changes, which may be debated before a Bill is introduced. Some White Papers may invite comments.

GREEN PAPERS set out for discussion, proposals which are still at a formative stage.'