Deregulation (Hansard, 1 July 1997)

§ Mr. Letwin
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster where the Deregulation Unit which was part of the Cabinet Office is now located; and by what name it is now known. [5634]

§ Dr. David Clark
The Deregulation Unit has been renamed the Better Regulation Unit to reflect our priority to get regulation right. It remains a core part of the Cabinet Office. The Government is committed to ensuring that regulations are simple, helpful and fair both to business, particularly small firms, and to the citizen.
The work of the Unit will contribute to my Department's White Paper, "Better Government" to be published in the autumn, setting out a unified programme for the renewal of government.

§ Mr. Cotter
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans he has to re-assess the deregulation initiative; and if he will make a statement. [5416]

§ Dr. Clark
The Government is committed to ensuring that regulations are simple, helpful and fair. We aim to deliver responsible and responsive regulation for business, particularly small firms, and the citizen. The Deregulation Unit has been renamed the Better Regulation Unit to reflect our priority to get regulation right.
We are giving small firms a greater voice by appointing six small business representatives on the revitalised Task Force. To develop practical measures to help small businesses, we are setting up a cross-departmental group on "Access Business". It will draw together regulatory advice and forms into a simpler, more unified service, in particular using advances in information technology.
89W
We are equally committed to removing bureaucracy from the lives of ordinary people, bringing citizens' issues to the fore. We will focus on key groups—the elderly, the young, the disadvantaged and volunteers.
The work of the Unit will contribute to my Department's White Paper, "Better Government" to be published in the autumn, setting out a unified programme for the renewal of government.

§ Mr. Letwin
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what policy he will adopt in relation to the further deregulation of British industry. [5635]

§ Dr. Clark
As we made clear in our Manifesto, we are committed not to impose unnecessary burdens on business. I am also appointing a revitalised Task Force and will work with them to lift regulatory burdens wherever appropriate.

§ Mr. Letwin
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what steps he is taking to improve the regulation of British industry. [5636]

§ Dr. Clark
I aim to modernise Government for business—particularly small firms—and citizens by achieving better quality regulation. To develop practical measures to help small businesses, we are setting up a cross-departmental group on "Access Business". It will draw together regulatory advice and forms into a simpler, more unified service, in particular using advances in information technology.
I am also in the process of appointing a revitalised Task Force, half of whose members will represent small business. I look forward to working with them to ensure that new regulations are simple, helpful and fair.