§ 22. Mr. HawkinsTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans he has to reduce the number of forms and survey which businesses are required to complete and return to Government Departments and agencies. [15259]
§ Mr. FreemanDepartments have been asked to report annually on the burden that they impose on business through forms and surveys by setting targets and reporting achievements in meeting them. I have also established a study group to investigate ways of reducing the compliance cost of Government surveys of business. I announced the appointment of the chairman of the study group and its terms of reference in a written reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Ribble Valley (Mr. Evans) on 9 February 1996 at column372.