§ Mr. Thurnhamasked the Paymaster General what reactions he has received from small businesses following the publication of the White Paper, "Lifting the Burden".
§ Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Paymaster General what representations he has received on the White Paper, "Lifting the Burden".
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI have received extensive representations from businesses following the publication of the White Paper "Lifting the Burden". These responses welcome the Government's commitment to the reduction of unnecessary administrative and legislative burdens on business which divert scarce resources from wealth and employment creating activities.
My right hon. and noble Friend and I propose to publish a further White Paper in the spring to describe progress on the proposals and reviews announced in "Lifting the Burden". Departments are now setting up their own mechanisms to review all new regulations for their costs to businesses. The enterprise and deregulation unit in my Department continues to act as the co-ordinating focus for this important work across Government. We shall continue to give priority to our work with our European partners in reducing EC burdens of regulation.