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HMSO

The Her Majesty's Stationery Office (HMSO) is a former government department in the United Kingdom responsible for the publication of official documents. Established in 1786, HMSO played a crucial role in the dissemination of government information and the management of public sector printing and publishing.

History

HMSO was founded in 1786 to provide stationery, printing, and publishing services to the British government. It was initially part of the Treasury but later became a separate department. Over the years, HMSO expanded its services to include the publication of official reports, legislation, and other government documents.

In 1996, HMSO was privatised and its functions were transferred to The Stationery Office (TSO), a private company. Despite this change, the term "HMSO" is still used to refer to the official publications of the UK government.

Functions

HMSO was responsible for a wide range of functions, including:

• Printing and Publishing: HMSO managed the printing and publication of government documents, including Acts of Parliament, statutory instruments, and official reports.
• Stationery Supply: It provided stationery and office supplies to government departments.
• Document Management: HMSO was involved in the management and archiving of government documents.

Publications

HMSO was known for publishing a variety of important documents, such as:

• The London Gazette: An official journal of record for the British government.
• Hansard: The official report of debates in Parliament.
• White Papers and Green Papers: Government policy documents and consultation papers.

Legacy

Although HMSO no longer exists as a government department, its legacy continues through the work of The Stationery Office and the ongoing publication of official documents. The term "HMSO" is still used to denote the official nature of certain publications.

Also see

• The Stationery Office
• The National Archives (United Kingdom)
• Government Printing Office
• Official Journal of the European Union