§ Mr. David Priceasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the total number of different forms which his Department, and its subordinate agencies, have currently available for different purposes requiring completion by members of the general public; when the necessity for each such form was last reviewed; and whether he intends to reduce the number of such forms and to simplify their contents.
§ Mr. EnnalsThere are currently 96 different forms which my Department52W may require to be completed by members of the public in this country and abroad. This figure includes forms issued at overseas posts on behalf of other Departments.
I accept the need to keep form-filling to a minimum. Forms originated by my Department are reviewed as necessary in the light of changing requirements to ensure that only information essential to the conduct of business is sought, that the content is clear and that statutory requirements are being met.