§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will assess the effects of the removal of employer's liability compulsory insurance requirements on Northern Ireland's smallest-owner-operated limited companies; and if he will make a statement. [184937]
§ Mr. GardinerAt national level the Department for Work and Pensions is currently reviewing the Employer's Liability Compulsory Insurance regulations (ELCI) in respect of those limited companies in the UK where the owner is the only employee. If a decision is made to remove the requirement for ELCI from limited companies in the UK where the owner is the only employee, then a formal consultation will take place in the autumn with any legislative change expected in the UK early in 2005. The Department for Enterprise, Trade and Investment will be closely involved in implementing the process.