§ Sir Michael GryllsTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the deregulation measures agreed by his Department during 1995. [285]
§ Mr. Jack[holding answer 22 November 1995]: The Chancellor's Departments have introduced a large number of deregulatory measures during 1995. Among the most significant are the orders which the Treasury has laid before Parliament, under the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994, to provide new flexibility in the operation of building societies, credit unions and friendly societies respectively. The Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise, together with the Contributions Agency, have developed closer working relations. This has resulted in, for example, trials of a new shared telephone helpline, together with a joint notification form and leaflet for businesses starting up. Initiatives undertaken by the Central Statistical Office, which are being co-ordinated under a new compliance planning system, include reductions in duplication between surveys, and simplification of the forms sent to business.