Compliance Cost Assessments

HC Deb 08 July 1996 vol 281 cc40-1W

Mr. Steen

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if compliance cost assessments are obligatory for all statutory instruments. [35143]

Mr. Freeman

A compliance cost assessment is required for all statutory instruments that effect business, charities and voluntary organisations. Full details of the requirement to prepare a compliance cost assessment are set out in "Checking the Cost of Regulation: A Guide to Compliance Cost Assessment", copies of which are available in the House Libraries.

Mr. Steen

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what has been the total compliance cost of all rules and regulations since April 1995. [35144]

Mr. Freeman

I regret that information is not held in this form. However, as part of the recent introduction of new compliance cost and risk assessment procedures, I am considering whether assessments of the total cost and benefit of new regulations might be recorded and published in future.