and a notorious breach of the privilege of, this House for any news- writer in letters or other papers […] to give therein any account of the doings or other proceedings of this House, or any Committee thereof, and this House will proceed with the utmost severity against such offenders.' pre-1800s Informal reports 1803 William Corbett and Thomas Curson [sic] Hansard
for nearly 80 years—from 1812 to 1889—and their organisation was very different from the one we know today, in that they were editors and, for most of that time, had no reporting staff. Their work was one of collation—taking the fullest reports from various London and local newspapers, as well as the text of speeches supplied by Members and their corrections, and editing them into a uniform coherent report.” Stephen Farrell (Commons Official Report), The History, Workings and Future Challenges of Hansard. Unpublished. (Farrell clarifies that the Hansards employed some reporters in the 1870s onwards.)
not be reported at any less than one-third of their original length 1889 reporter in the body of the Houses 1891 Fourth Series, ’Authorised Edition’ subsidized 1909 Fifth Series, ’Official Report’ in house (shorthand writers, then 1970s onwards some transcribers from audio, then 1990s onwards just audio transcribers, though some reporters still use shorthand): ‘a working document, a legal record and a historical resource’
reports, not for their literal accuracy.” Thomas Curson Hansard (Junior) Report from the House of Commons Select Committee on Parliamentary Proceedings, hc 373 of session 1862, p 39.
first person of all Members […] which, though not strictly verbatim, is substantially the verbatim report, with repetitions and redundancies omitted and with obvious mistakes corrected, but, on the other hand, leaves out nothing that adds to the meaning of the speech or illustrates the argument” Report from the House of Commons Select Committee on Parliamentary Debates, hc 239 of session 1907, p.iii, our highlighting
of short-hand. Short- hand writers are very useful in taking-down evidence as given in a court of justice, but they are wholly incompetent to report a good speech. […] there probably never was a parliamentary debater in whose language there was not some inaccuracy, and who did not fall into occasional repetitions. These are hardly perceived in the rapid stream of extemporaneous eloquence, and are corrected and remedied by the voice, the eye, the action of him to whom we listen; but blazoned on a printed page which we are deliberately to peruse, they would offend and perplex us. […] Fidelity is the first and indispensable requisite, but this does not demand an exposure of inaccuracies and repetitions.” John Campbell, 1st Baron Campbell (1779-1861). Reporter in early nineteenth century. Campbell, John. 1881. Life of John, Lord Campbell, Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain; consisting of a selection from his autobiography, diary, and letters. In two volumes. Ed. by the Hon. Mrs Hardcastle. 2nd edn. London: John Murray. p.105-107, our highlighting.
Narrative Report of Speech Acts e.g. He looked straight at her and told her about his imminent return. She was pleased. is ︎ Indirect Speech e.g. He looked straight at her and told her that he would definitely return the following day. She was pleased. fis ︎ Free Indirect Speech e.g. He looked straight at her. He would definitely come back tomorrow! She was pleased. ds ︎ Direct Speech e.g. He looked straight at her and said ‘I’ll definitely come back tomorrow!’. fds ︎ Free Direct Speech e.g. He looked straight at her. ‘I’ll definitely come back tomorrow!’ She was pleased. Adapted from Semino and Short 2004: 10
June 1899 9 May 1929 2 June 1959 6 June 1989 Sir G. Warrender rose to move the Navy Estimates. Upon this subject the hon. baronet said he should think it unnecessary, if not presumptuous on his part, to make any speech, or to enter into any detail, as the question had already been so amply discussed, while all the details connected with it were so perspicuously stated, in the report of the finance committee; therefore, he felt that it rather became him to wait for any observations which might be made on the other side of the House, and to which he would endeavour to submit a satisfactory reply. Mr. Calcraft expressed his surprise at the course pursued by the hon. baronet, particularly in referring to, and wholly relying upon, the statements of the finance committee. Was it, from the observation. of the hon. baronet, to be taken for granted that he adopted the recommendation of the finance committee? House of Commons, 2 June 1819, Series 1 Vol. 40
June 1899 9 May 1929 2 June 1959 6 June 1989 Sir G. Warrender rose to move the Navy Estimates. Upon this subject the hon. baronet said he should think it unnecessary, if not presumptuous on his part, to make any speech, or to enter into any detail, as the question had already been so amply discussed, while all the details connected with it were so perspicuously stated, in the report of the finance committee; therefore, he felt that it rather became him to wait for any observations which might be made on the other side of the House, and to which he would endeavour to submit a satisfactory reply. Mr. Calcraft expressed his surprise at the course pursued by the hon. baronet, particularly in referring to, and wholly relying upon, the statements of the finance committee. Was it, from the observation. of the hon. baronet, to be taken for granted that he adopted the recommendation of the finance committee? nrsa is nrsa fis House of Commons, 2 June 1819, Series 1 Vol. 40
June 1899 9 May 1929 2 June 1959 6 June 1989 Sir R. Inglis rose to put the question, of which he had given notice, with respect to the Foreign Slave-trade. The House would recollect, that the noble Lord, the Foreign Secretary, had pledged himself and the Government to use every means in their power for the suppression of the foreign slave-trade. All the accounts, however, both public and private, which reached him, induced him to believe, that that inhuman trade was carried on to a greater extent, and with more horror than was ever previously known. He trusted that the noble Lord would now state to the House what measures the Government bad adopted, or intended to adopt, to suppress this great curse and crime. Viscount Palmerston had stated some time ago, that it was the intention of Government to propose to Parliament a bill to give additional powers with regard to that part of the foreign slave-trade which was carried on under the Portuguese flag. House of Commons, 3 June 1839 vol 47 cc1253-4 1253
June 1899 9 May 1929 2 June 1959 6 June 1989 Sir R. Inglis rose to put the question, of which he had given notice, with respect to the Foreign Slave-trade. The House would recollect, that the noble Lord, the Foreign Secretary, had pledged himself and the Government to use every means in their power for the suppression of the foreign slave-trade. All the accounts, however, both public and private, which reached him, induced him to believe, that that inhuman trade was carried on to a greater extent, and with more horror than was ever previously known. He trusted that the noble Lord would now state to the House what measures the Government bad adopted, or intended to adopt, to suppress this great curse and crime. Viscount Palmerston had stated some time ago, that it was the intention of Government to propose to Parliament a bill to give additional powers with regard to that part of the foreign slave-trade which was carried on under the Portuguese flag. House of Commons, 3 June 1839 vol 47 cc1253-4 1253 nrsa is nrsa
June 1899 9 May 1929 2 June 1959 6 June 1989 Viscount Galway said, he would beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether, under the Customs and Inland Revenue Duties Bill, a farm servant living in the house of his employer will be liable to be taxed to the amount of fifteen shillings? The Chancellor of the Exchequer replied that living in the house made no difference. A farm servant or labourer employed solely in that capacity would not make his master liable to the tax by living in the house; but if he were employed in any of the capacities mentioned in the Bill the fact that he was a farm servant would not secure his master exemption. House of Commons, 1 June 1869 vol 196 cc1097-8 1097
June 1899 9 May 1929 2 June 1959 6 June 1989 Viscount Galway said, he would beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether, under the Customs and Inland Revenue Duties Bill, a farm servant living in the house of his employer will be liable to be taxed to the amount of fifteen shillings? The Chancellor of the Exchequer replied that living in the house made no difference. A farm servant or labourer employed solely in that capacity would not make his master liable to the tax by living in the house; but if he were employed in any of the capacities mentioned in the Bill the fact that he was a farm servant would not secure his master exemption. House of Commons, 1 June 1869 vol 196 cc1097-8 1097 is is fis
June 1899 9 May 1929 2 June 1959 6 June 1989 Sir Howard Vincent (Sheffield, Central) I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War, why Officers of the Volunteer Force are not allowed the privilege of sergeants and privates of training themselves for the Country's service with regiments near which civil duties may call them away from the head quarters of their own corps: and, if, having regard to the deficiency of officers in the Force, the Secretary of State will consider the re-adjustment of this inequality, and at the same time review the conditions under which the refundment of the equipment allowance granted to officers passing school are required from regiments. The Under Secretary Of State For War (Mr. G. Wyndham, Dover) Officers are required to perform their drills with their own corps, as it is their duty to instruct and guide the men under their command and for this purpose a personal knowledge of them is indispensable. The Secretary of State is not prepared to remit this obligation, nor to relax the conditions upon which the outfit allowance is granted. House of Commons, 1 June 1899 vol 72 c79 79
June 1899 9 May 1929 2 June 1959 6 June 1989 Sir Howard Vincent (Sheffield, Central) I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War, why Officers of the Volunteer Force are not allowed the privilege of sergeants and privates of training themselves for the Country's service with regiments near which civil duties may call them away from the head quarters of their own corps: and, if, having regard to the deficiency of officers in the Force, the Secretary of State will consider the re-adjustment of this inequality, and at the same time review the conditions under which the refundment of the equipment allowance granted to officers passing school are required from regiments. The Under Secretary Of State For War (Mr. G. Wyndham, Dover) Officers are required to perform their drills with their own corps, as it is their duty to instruct and guide the men under their command and for this purpose a personal knowledge of them is indispensable. The Secretary of State is not prepared to remit this obligation, nor to relax the conditions upon which the outfit allowance is granted. House of Commons, 1 June 1899 vol 72 c79 79 ds ds ds
June 1899 9 May 1929 2 June 1959 6 June 1989 Mr. DAY asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is on his instructions that the Derby sweepstake organised in aid of the Barking Hospital fund has been stopped by the police? The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir William Joynson-Hicks) My attention was called to the fact that tickets were being publicly sold, which clearly brought it within the provisions of the Lottery Act. I communicated with the promoters, and the promoters withdrew the lottery. Mr. DAY Does the right hon. Gentleman think there is any difference between this principle and the principle of the Stock Exchange draw, where the tickets are sold to stockbrokers, who publicly sell them to any of their clients who want them? House of Commons, 9 May 1929 vol 227 cc2304-5 2304
June 1899 9 May 1929 2 June 1959 6 June 1989 Mr. DAY asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is on his instructions that the Derby sweepstake organised in aid of the Barking Hospital fund has been stopped by the police? The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir William Joynson-Hicks) My attention was called to the fact that tickets were being publicly sold, which clearly brought it within the provisions of the Lottery Act. I communicated with the promoters, and the promoters withdrew the lottery. Mr. DAY Does the right hon. Gentleman think there is any difference between this principle and the principle of the Stock Exchange draw, where the tickets are sold to stockbrokers, who publicly sell them to any of their clients who want them? House of Commons, 9 May 1929 vol 227 cc2304-5 2304 is ds ds nrsa?
June 1899 9 May 1929 2 June 1959 6 June 1989 Sir J. Duncan asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the incidence of tuberculosis in Scotland has been so reduced in recent years that there is now a surplus of specialist doctors, nurses, equipment and accommodation for this purpose; and whether he will authorise an offer in kind, in addition to the United Kingdom allocation of £100,000 in cash, of some of the surplus facilites in Scotland, now released, to the organisers of the International Refugee Year. Mr. Maclay The answer to the first part of the Question is, "Yes, Sir." As regards the second part, Her Majesty's Government are willing to consider any specific proposals which the United Kingdom Committee for the World Refugee Year may make to them for the treatment of refugees admitted temporarily to this country for that purpose. House of Commons, 2 June 1959 vol 606 cc13-4 13
June 1899 9 May 1929 2 June 1959 6 June 1989 Sir J. Duncan asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the incidence of tuberculosis in Scotland has been so reduced in recent years that there is now a surplus of specialist doctors, nurses, equipment and accommodation for this purpose; and whether he will authorise an offer in kind, in addition to the United Kingdom allocation of £100,000 in cash, of some of the surplus facilites in Scotland, now released, to the organisers of the International Refugee Year. Mr. Maclay The answer to the first part of the Question is, "Yes, Sir." As regards the second part, Her Majesty's Government are willing to consider any specific proposals which the United Kingdom Committee for the World Refugee Year may make to them for the treatment of refugees admitted temporarily to this country for that purpose. House of Commons, 2 June 1959 vol 606 cc13-4 13 is ds nrsa?
June 1899 9 May 1929 2 June 1959 6 June 1989 Mr. Livsey To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he has any plans to increase the number of foreign languages that are currently listed under schedule 1 of the Education (National Curriculum) (Modern Foreign Language) Order 1989. Mrs. Rumbold My right hon. Friend has no such plans. Mr. Livsey Why is the Minister denying children the right to learn two languages, and why have the Government prevented the implementation of the Lingua programme in Britain? Is that not proof that the Conservative party is less than wholeheartedly a European party? House of Commons, 6 June 1989 vol 154 c8 8
June 1899 9 May 1929 2 June 1959 6 June 1989 Mr. Livsey To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he has any plans to increase the number of foreign languages that are currently listed under schedule 1 of the Education (National Curriculum) (Modern Foreign Language) Order 1989. Mrs. Rumbold My right hon. Friend has no such plans. Mr. Livsey Why is the Minister denying children the right to learn two languages, and why have the Government prevented the implementation of the Lingua programme in Britain? Is that not proof that the Conservative party is less than wholeheartedly a European party? House of Commons, 6 June 1989 vol 154 c8 8 ds ds ds
June 1899 9 May 1929 2 June 1959 6 June 1989 Mr. H. B. Sheridan said, he would beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to increase our Naval Forces in the Sicilian waters, in order the better to afford aid and shelter to such persons as may claim protection from the English Flag; whether it is intended to communicate to the Court of Naples the abhorrence of Her Majesty's Government of such acts as the recent bombardment of Palermo; whether it is intended to accompany such communication with a recommendation to conduct the War in future upon the rules recognized in civilized warfare; and whether it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to protest against, and, if necessary, vigorously to endeavour to avert, the interference of any non-Italian Power in the struggle now pending between the King of Naples and his subjects? Viscount Palmerston Sir, in answer to the first question of my hon. Friend, I have to state that my noble Friend at the head of the Foreign Department has requested the Admiralty to station one ship of war at Marsala, one at Messina, and one at Palermo, and four ships are to be stationed in the Bay of Naples, all for the purpose of affording shelter to the British subjects who may require it. I hope that distribution will be sufficient and satisfactory. With regard to the second question, we understand that the Government of Naples has sent a diplomatic agent to Paris and London, who may very shortly—within two days—be expected to arrive here, for the purpose of making certain communications to the two Governments of France and England. House of Commons, 12 June 1860 vol 159 cc329-30 329 12 June 1860
June 1899 9 May 1929 2 June 1959 6 June 1989 Viscount Palmerston said,—I rather think that my hon. Friend will find in that correspondence that instructions from the American Government were given to Mr. Stevenson to abstain from pressing the subject. With regard to the letter of Mr. Forsyth, I beg leave to say, that the principle stands thus:—In the case of the American citizens engaged in invading Canada, the American government disavowed the acts of those citizens, and stated that the British authorities might deal with them as they pleased, and that they were persons who were not in any degree entitled to the protection of the United States. But in the other case they treated the affair of the Caroline as one to be considered between the Governments, and not to be left upon the responsibility of individuals. Until, therefore, the British Government disowned those persons, as the American government disavowed their citizens in the other case, the American government would have no right to change its ground upon the question. House of Commons, 8 February 1841 vol 56 cc367-74 373 8 February 1841
June 1899 9 May 1929 2 June 1959 6 June 1989 Viscount Mahon reminded the noble Lord the Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the assurance he had last year given the House upon the subject of international copyright, and begged to inquire whether the noble Lord still kept that subject in sight, and whether there was any probability of the negotiations into which he might have entered in reference to it, being brought to a speedy and favourable close. Viscount Palmerston said, that if the noble Lord had had the kindness to give him notice of his intention of putting the question, he would very gladly have answered him. Speaking upon the moment he could only say that he did not think that any of the negotiations had yet come to a conclusion. He would, however, inform himself more particularly upon the subject and reply to the question to-morrow. House of Commons, 18 February 1841 vol 56 c707 18 February 1841
June 1899 9 May 1929 2 June 1959 6 June 1989 Mr. Whitbread rose, and expressed himself in these words: Sir, the notice which has been just given by the right hon. gent. over against me cannot have been unexpected by any one; but I confess that, by the notification now made, I am by no means satisfied; I think the public cannot be satisfied; I think, nay, I feel confident, this house will not be satisfied; I am sure the ends of public justice will not be satisfied, if some further resolutions are not adopted, in consequence of the proceedings on the report of the naval commissioners. If the issue of the debate of the night before last was a mere personal or party triumph; if it was only our own feelings which Were concerned, we might be satisfied, because the noble lord who was the object of the accusation which I had the honour to bring forward, has thought fit to retire from a situation of responsibility, dignity, and emolument, at least from the first situation in point of dignity he held: and as far as any triumph over an individual can be concerned, this has been most complete. House of Commons, 10 October 1805 vol 4 cc327-71 328 10 October 1805
June 1899 9 May 1929 2 June 1959 6 June 1989 Viscount Palmerston felt, in the first place, persuaded that his hon. Friend and the House could not suppose that it was possible for him to agree to the motion for the production of these papers, because, if there was any one point more settled than another in the practice of that House, it was, not to call for papers of this kind pending the negotiations to which those papers related. For the same reason, he also presumed that the House would not expect that he should follow his hon. Friend through the long disquisition into which he had entered, with respect to the policy of this country and the other powers of Europe, with regard to the question to which his observations related. His hon. Friend had stated, that he entertained the opinions he had expressed honestly, and from a sincere conviction that they were for the good and the interest of this country. He was the last man in the world to dispute that fact, though most certainly he thought his hon. Friend was entirely mistaken in his views, and was altogether misled in the greater part of the information he had received, while he was sure that his hon. Friend was mistaken in many of his facts. […] His hon. Friend thought that the British Government and Lord Ponsonby, the British Ambassador at Constantinople, had stimulated the Sultan to renew hostilities against the Pacha of Egypt. He (Lord Palmerston) could assure him that he was entirely mistaken. In the first place, it was the Pacha who was the aggressor, and not the Sultan, inasmuch as it was the Pacha who, in the first instance, publicly declared his determination to throw off his allegiance, and make himself the independent sovereign of the provinces over which he was appointed to govern. House of Commons, 27 March 1840 vol 53 cc180-219 193 27 March 1840
(until August 1894) Eyre and Spottiswoode 30-52 (until August 1897) Waterlow and Sons Ltd 53-70 (until May 1899) Economic Printing and Publishing Company 72-199 (until 1908 and the Fifth Series) Wyman and Sons Limited
and is, with inconsistent sections in ds; shift to relatively more is strengthens in 1840s 1886-1892 Primarily ds (shorthand writers start in 1889; Hansard family cease involvement in 1888) 1893-1897 Reverts to fis and is, with sections in ds 1898-1901 Reverts to primarily ds shorthand 1901-1908 Reverts to primarily fis and is, with sections in ds 1909– ds shorthand; occasional formulaic is sections decline by 1970s
“the”, and remove other deictics Correct “this chamber” etc to “this Committee” or “this House”; Government is always plural Correct incorrect forms of address Omit otiose repetition (eg “very very”) No direct second person speech Remove otiose hedges, such as “I believe” and “I think” – retain hedges where explicit verbs of perception Remove false starts, verbal tics, redundancies, and so on. Um, ah, I think very, actually, certainly, however, really, of course, I mean, so, therefore, but, because.
haven't heard one word around this chamber of anybody that says please Her Majesty's Government don't do anything until um we've you know un-un- until this-this-this thing has finished. We're not saying delay anything, we're saying get on with it please get on with it but what but we but we need to have some information on the way down while we do it we have to have some idea of of the destination and Brussels wants some idea of the destination by the 22nd of March um and-and into October.” Hansard: “Can we actually make this clear? I have not heard anyone in this Committee saying, “Please, Her Majesty’s Government, do not do anything until this thing is finished”. We are not asking for anything to be delayed, we are saying, “Please get on with it”, but we need some information on the way; we have to have some idea of the destination, and Brussels wants some idea of the destination by 22 March and then in October.” Lord Teverson, February 2018
surprised that your experienced statesmen should be so fond of recurring to that eminent publication. What, after all, do they see on looking over a quarter of a century or more even of their speeches in Hansard? What dreary pages of interminable talk, what predictions falsified, what pledges broken, what calculations that have gone wrong, what budgets that have blown up! And all this, too, not relieved by a single original thought, a single generous impulse, or a single happy expression!” Benjamin Disraeli, hc Deb, vol 79 11 April 1845, col 566. Thanks to John Vice for the citation.
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