The columns of Hansard have been the repository of some of the greatest moments in modern history, the battleground of turbulent politics and lush pastures for browsing students and researchers.
New technology is, however, setting a new scene.
In the latest version of Hansard, those famous columns are no more because Hansard is now available as an electronic database, and in this format the columns have been dispensed with. It is the result of a computerisation project for the production of the printed version of Hansard. It has been developed within the Department of the Official Report, the department of the House that is responsible for the daily production of Hansard. The new Hansard on-line service provides a fully searchable text dating from 16 November 1994 the day of that year s State Opening of Parliament. It is updated on a daily basis.