§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to transfer responsibilities from the Regulatory Impact Unit to the Small Business Service. [94669]
§ Ms HewittThere are three areas where responsibilities will be either transferred or shared between the Regulatory Impact Unit and the Small Business Service.
Regulatory information: The work on providing advice and information on regulations to small businesses was transferred to the Department of Trade and Industry earlier this year in anticipation of the establishment of the Small Business Service. This includes responsibility for the Direct Action Government internet service and the proposals for an Electronic Regulation Service.
Minimising regulatory burdens: The Small Business Service will be key to helping small businesses to meet the demands of regulation and ensuring that the impact of proposed regulations on small business is properly understood and taken into account at all levels of Government. The Small Business Service will work closely with the Regulatory Impact Unit to achieve this aim and working arrangements are being formulated at present.
453WLocal Business Partnerships provide a forum for dialogue between local business and the local enforcement community. Responsibility for promoting partnerships will be transferred from the Regulatory Impact Unit to the Small Business Service shortly.
§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what are the aims and objectives of the Small Business Service Unit. [94500]
§ Ms HewittA consultation paper on the Small Business Service was issued in June. It proposed that the Small Business Service should have three main aims: to act as a strong voice for small businesses at the heart of Government; to simplify and improve the quality and coherence of Government support for small businesses; and to help small firms with regulation and ensure small firms' interests are properly considered in future regulation.
The consultation process closed on 30 September and the submissions are now being analysed.
§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the Chief Executive of the Small Business Service has been appointed. [94499]
§ Ms HewittThe post of Chief Executive of the Small Business Service was publicly advertised and the appointment will conform to public sector standards of recruitment. The date for applications has now closed and the selection process is taking place.
§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made establishing a Small Business Service; and what financial support the Small Business Service has(a) received and (b) been allocated. [94498]
§ Ms HewittThe consultation exercise on the role and objectives of the Small Business Service closed on 30 September. Over 700 written responses have been received and are currently being analysed.
The recruitment of the Chief Executive is under way and I hope to announce the name of the successful candidate in November.
As the Small Business Service will not begin operating formally until 1 April 2000, it is not currently in receipt of financial support. Its allocation for 2000–01 is not yet determined.