what is a green paper

In the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth countries, Hong Kong, the United States, and the European Union, a green paper is a tentative government report and consultation document of policy proposals for debate and discussion. It is a tool for stimulating discussion and is often the first step towards changing the law. Green papers are produced early in the policy-making process while ministerial proposals are still being formulated. They are commissioned from the relevant department if the government feels that there is an area where new legislation is required, or existing legislation needs to be revamped. Green papers may result in the production of a white paper, which is a published statement of government policy or strategy. The term "green paper" has been said to originate with the publication in 1941 by Herwald Ramsbotham, UK president of the board of education, of plans for educational reform in a green binding, which became known as the "Green Book".