The Parliamentary Papers Act 1840 (3 & 4 Vict. c. 9) is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. The Act was passed in response to the case of Stockdale v Hansard where it was held that the House of Commons enjoyed no privilege as to publications under its authority circulated beyond Members of Parliament.

Provisions

The Act provides that: Publication for circulation among Members of Parliament is protected by absolute privilege under common law. The Act received royal assent on 14 April 1840. The Act is notable by being ex post facto – it changes the legal status of happenings before the Act was passed. As such, it is a precedent showing that Parliament has sovereignty over the past as well as the future.