HC Deb 06 November 1995 vol 265 cc535-6W
Mr. Steen

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the rules and regulations he proposes to repeal or amend by means of a reference to the Deregulation Committee before the end of 1995; and if he will make a statement. [41542]

Mrs. Angela Knight

I refer to the answer that my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster gave to my hon. Friend earlier today.

Mr. Steen

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the Inland Revenue's business plan and the way it will now work on deregulation policy with the Department of Social Security. [41519]

Mr. Jack

The Inland Revenue management plan for 1995–96 to 1997–98 foreshadowed plans for the Inland Revenue and the Contributions Agency of the Department of Social Security to work more closely together with a view to providing a better service to customers and lifting the burdens on business. Details of the joint working programme were announced on 19 September 1995.

The joint working programme is an important part of each Department's deregulation initiative. It has been drawn up with small businesses particularly in mind and should help to make their dealings with the government machine more straightforward and less burdensome.

Mr. Steen

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated saving to the Exchequer by the repeal of each rule and regulation which has so far been the subject of a reference to the Deregulation Committee from his Department; and in how many cases a compliance cost assessment has been carried out. [41543]

Mrs. Knight

The Treasury has laid three draft deregulation proposals to date. The Deregulation (Building Societies) Order was laid on 9 May, the Deregulation (Credit Unions) Order on 11 July and the Deregulation (Friendly Societies) Order on 17 July. The draft orders will not lead to any significant cost savings for the Exchequer.

The explanatory documents which were presented to the committee alongside each of the draft orders contain an assessment of the cost savings to business and any other persons whom the draft orders are intended to benefit.