§ Mrs. BallardTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will increase small business representation on the Deregulation Task Force. [25699]
§ Dr. David ClarkThe Deregulation Task Force has been replaced by the Better Regulation Task Force. This new group was appointed in September 1997. The change of name reflects the change in approach from deregulation to the wider issue of ensuring regulations are necessary, fair and effective for all concerned. The terms of reference of the Task Force reflect the importance given to the small business representation; they are
to advise Government … taking particular account of the needs of small businesses".The establishment of the new Task Force fulfilled the Government's manifesto commitment for half of the members to represent small business. There are therefore no plans to increase small business representation on the Task Force. Other members represent citizen and consumer issues, the voluntary sector, larger businesses and the enforcement community.