§ Dr. SpinkTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what consultation he is undertaking with small and medium enterprises regarding deregulation. [13058]
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§ Mr. FreemanI have regular meetings with various representative bodies of small and medium businesses about deregulation. I have invited all businesses, including members of the Federation of Small Businesses, to write to me with details of those regulations which are unnecessarily hampering their business and have so far received over 400 replies. I am also responsible for implementing the small business litmus test, which requires all Government Departments to consult some typical small businesses to ensure they will not be disproportionately affected by proposed regulations.