Rules and Regulations (Hansard, 21 April 1995)

§ Mr. Steen
To ask the Secretary of for Transport how many rules and regulations he repealed in the first three months of 1995; and how many new rules and regulations were introduced in that period by way of statutory instruments, motions or orders. [19370]

§ Mr. Watts
Two rules and regulations were repealed in the first three months of 1995. In the same period, 17 rules and regulations were introduced—not including commencement orders, Orders in Council and instruments not subject to parliamentary procedure—of whichtwo revoked earlier instruments or substituted a more favourable regime for business; five implemented EU and other international obligations including measures to facilitate intermember state trade; none facilitated privatisation and competition; eight updated fees and charges or related to local legislation; the remaining two are minor miscellaneous provisions which amend existing legislation and have no adverse impact on business.
Only two introduced new regulatory requirements which increased cost to business: the Merchant Shipping (Hours of Work) Regulations 1995 and the Road Vehicle (Construction & Use) (Amendment) Regulations 1995. Compliance cost assessments for both regulations have been placed in the House Library.

§ Mr. Steen
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what requirements there are for officials in his300W Department to introduce a compliance cost assessment for all rules and regulations coming before him and his Ministers; and how many compliance cost assessments have been issued in his Department in the first three months of this year. [19355]

§ Mr. Watts
[holding answer 18 April 1995]: In accordance with the guidance provided in the DTI publication "Checking the Cost to Business", my Department has agreed to produce compliance cost assessments for all rules and regulations which may have an impact on business. We have issued five CCAs in the first three months of this year, copies of which are in the Library.
The reply given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade on 19 April, Official Report, columns 189–90, sets out the circumstances in which CCAs are required.