HC Deb 07 November 1996 vol 284 c621W
Mr. Steen

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what regulations his Department proposes to repeat by the end of 1996; if he proposes to conduct a compliance cost assessment on each resolution repealed; and what is the estimated cost of undertaking a compliance cost assessment to determine the advantages and disadvantages of each repeal. [1404]

Mr. Page

My Department currently proposes to repeal the following regulations by the end of 1996:

  • Trade Descriptions (Place of Production) (Marking) Order 1988;
  • The Rag Flock (Other Filling Materials) Act 1951;
  • The Rag Flock and Other Filling Materials Regulations 1981;
  • The Stand for Carry-Cot (Safety) Regulations 1966;
  • The Gas Catalytic Heaters (Safety) Regulations 1984;
  • The Asbestos Products (Safety) Regulations 1985;
  • The Asbestos Products (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 1987; and
  • The Quotations Regulations 1989.

My Department currently proposes to repeal and replace the following regulations by the end of 1996:

  • The Sex Discrimination and Equal Pay (Remedies) Regulations 1993;
  • The Race Relations (Interest on Awards) Regulations 1994; and
  • The Dual-Use and Related Goods (Export Control) Regulations 1995.

Since the effect in each case will be to reduce rather than increase, compliance costs, a compliance cost assessment is not required. Departments do, however, seek to estimate approximate savings wherever possible. The cost of undertaking a CCA varies from case to case, but it is generally modest. Because part of the cost falls on the businesses consulted, a full CCA would be inappropriate for measures designed to reduce business burdens. If, however, a replacement regulation would increase burdens, a CCA will be produced.