§ The Minister for the Cabinet Office and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. Douglas Alexander)Today I am launching a revised Code of Practice on58WS Consultation. It will come into force on 1 April 2004 and replaces the Code of Practice on Written Consultation published in November 2000.
This revised Code will help in the Government's continued drive to improve consultation. It is shorter and clearer; it strengthens the commitment to providing respondents with feedback and to following better regulation best practice in developing policy options.
The Code is supported by web-based guidance available at www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/regulation/consultation-guidance. I encourage all Departments and relevant public bodies to use it effectively.
Copies of the Code have been placed in the Libraries of the House.