- Portcullis is an archive catalogue: that is, it contains descriptions of the unique records we hold, with a reference number which will enable you to order or enquire about records by e-mail or in advance of your visit to our searchroom at Westminster, London.
- Portcullis does not contain images of the documents themselves. It is a research tool enabling you to identify which records you wish to consult.
- Portcullis is a catalogue of general descriptions to our unique records. It is not an index of all names and places in the records themselves, though there certainly are many names and places in it.
- Portcullis is not an index to the content of Parliamentary debates. If you are searching for particular names of MPs or peers, or subjects debated by the Lords or the Commons, you will find these in indexes at the back of Hansard (Official Report) volumes themselves. You can use Portcullis to identify the particular volume of Hansard you need by date. Hansards are available in good local reference libraries in the UK and at many universities in the UK and across the world. From 1988, proceedings in Hansard are available for searching on the Parliamentary web site.
 - Portcullis is not a comprehensive index to printed sessional papers and command papers either (these are sometimes also known as 'Parliamentary Papers' or 'Blue Books'). These can be found in hard copy or microfiche in many universities and national libraries in the UK and across the world. Online and microfiche versions are available in our searchroom at Westminster.
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