HC Deb 10 November 2000 vol 356 c446W
Mr. Steen

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what recommendations the Better Regulation Task Force made in respect of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. [136448]

Mr. Stringer

The independent Better Regulation Task Force supported the overall aim of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 to legislate to combat serious crime conducted on the internet. It was concerned that, like all other new Government regulation, it should meet the five principles of good regulation: transparency; accountability; consistency; proportionality; and targeting. The Bill was amended considerably during its passage and the Task Force's concerns were broadly met. The Task Force nevertheless hopes that the Home Office will review the effectiveness of the Act in time, taking account of its impact on UK e-businesses.

Mr. Steen

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what estimate she has made of the amount the Better Regulation Task Force has saved business; and if she will make a statement. [136449]

Mr. Stringer

The independent Better Regulation Task Force is an advisory body and can not itself directly reduce costs on business. It works by making recommendations, including to Government. To date, the majority have been accepted. Since its creation in 1997, the Task Force has influenced many changes in the regulatory environment. For example, all new regulation must be checked against the principles of good regulation developed by the Task Force.

Mr. Steen

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will make a statement in respect of the administrative and running costs of the Better Regulations Task Force, including the autumn 2000 Task Force review. [136606]

Mr. Stringer

The administrative and running costs of the independent Better Regulation Task Force for the six months of the financial year 2000–01 to September 2000 have totalled £191,581. The printing costs of the Better Regulation Task Force's Annual Report 1999–2000, which was published in October 2000, were £6,815.