§ Mr. Robert B. Jonesasked the Paymaster General what progress has been made in taking forward the recommendation in the White Paper, "Lifting the Burden" Cmnd. 9571, to review the effect on business of the wide variety of different licensing systems.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe enterprise and deregulation unit has today written to business organisations, local authority associations and others to seek their views on the extent and the nature of the burdens placed on businesses and enforcing authorities as a result of the licensing requirements imposed by central government. We are inviting views by 19 March. A second stage of the review, which the Unit will discuss in advance with local authority 349W associations, will examine those licensing requirements imposed by local government and the burdens imposed by local Acts of Parliament.