How to find statutory instruments
- statutory instruments (SIs)
- statutory rules and orders (SR&Os) in the library and online
Statutory instruments are a form of secondary legislation.
Before 1948, SIs were called SR&Os.
Original statutory instruments and statutory rules and orders
Official series
The official text of SIs and SR&Os, as originally passed, starts in the library at bay 171.
This covers SIs and SR&Os from 1898 onwards.
Government website
A complete collection from 1987 onwards of original unamended SIs is available at legislation.gov.uk.
There are also some from before 1987, but the collection is incomplete.
Halsbury's Statutory Instruments
This encyclopaedia is arranged by subject.
Each volume includes either the full text or summaries of the SIs in force when that volume was published.
The SIs are published as amended with additional annotations and commentary.
This is held in the Library at bay 62.
Textbooks
Many specialist texts contain SIs which are updated to the date the text went to press, with additional commentary and annotations.
Use Library search to find relevant texts in our collection.
LexisLibrary and Westlaw
Both LexisLibrary and Westlaw have updated versions of SIs which are currently in force.
Westlaw also has historic versions of SIs since 1991.
Both databases are available for use in the library. Ask staff for access
vLex
The vLex subscription database contains a complete collection of the original, official full texts of SIs from 1948 onwards.
SR&Os from before this date will only appear if they were in force in 1948.
Amendments, revocations and annotations are not included, although there are cross-references to these.
vLex is available for use in the Library. Ask staff for access.
Local statutory instruments
Published local SIs from 1987 onwards are available on legislation.gov.uk.
Since 2009, many unpublished SIs have also been added.
Unpublished SIs may be available from the relevant local authority.
Our staff may be able to help you find other sources for both published and unpublished local SIs.
Apart from a few exceptions, we do not hold copies of local SIs in the Library.
Updated statutory instruments
LexisLibrary and Westlaw
Both these subscription services have updated versions of SIs.
Halsbury's Statutory Instruments
Halsbury’s Statutory Instruments contains SIs which are updated to the date the relevant volume went to press.
When you’ve found the correct SI, check the service volume to see if it has been updated since the volume was published.
This is in the Library in bay 62. Ask staff if you need help using this resource.
Current Law Citator
This lists SIs chronologically from 1947 onwards and notes amendments and revocations.
Start with the volume which contains the year of the SI you want, then check all the subsequent volumes.
This is in the Library in bay F.
Statutory instruments on a subject
LexisLibrary and Westlaw
Both these subscription services can be used to find SIs on a subject.
On LexisLibrary, use the commentary and current awareness sections.
On Westlaw, use the journals and current awareness sections.
Halsbury's Statutory Instruments
You can use the separate annual index to find SIs by topic.
This is in the Library in bay 62.
Textbooks
Textbooks covering the relevant subject area can also be used.
Cases on a particular provision in a statutory instrument
LexisLibrary and Westlaw
You can use LexisLibrary and Westlaw to find cases on a particular provision in a SI.
Find the provision you want in the SI and select the relevant link to find cases.
Current Law SI Citator
Since 1993, the separate SI Citator has been included in the Current Law Citators. Find the volume which contains the year of the SI you want to search, and then use all the volumes which follow.
This is in the Library in bay F.
Statutory instruments made under a section of a statute
Some of the updating processes for these resources can be difficult. Ask staff for help if you are unsure.
LexisLibrary and Westlaw
Firstly, locate the relevant section of the statute.
On LexisLibrary the information on SIs is located in the notes at the end of the section.
On Westlaw, select ‘Provision Details’.
Current Law Legislation Citator
Beginning in 1947, the Current Law Legislation Citator list statutes and notes, among other things, SIs made under specific sections. Use the volume which contains the year of the SI you want to search, and then use all the volumes which follow.
This is in the Library in bay F.
Halsbury's Statutes
The annotations often refer to orders made under a specific section of an act. Check the annual cumulative supplement and the service volumes for updates.
This is in the Library in bay 61.
Indexes
Published and unpublished SIs are indexed in the annual Lists of Statutory Instruments.
This is in the Library in bay N.