§ 27. Mr. Nicholas WintertonTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what new initiatives he has in respect of deregulation. [15049]
§ Mr. PageMy Department is taking a number of new initiatives. For example, we have recently laid two deregulation orders, bringing the total to 10. Seven of these orders have already become law. We have a further six orders in the pipeline and will continue to bring other candidates forward when we can.
We are striving to remove unnecessary burdens on business through a review of business licences. Consultation is under way on proposals designed to reduce the number of classes of radiocommunication licence from 50 to around 35.
We have four consultation exercises under way on measures which will ease burdens on business. A further 10 such consultations are complete and the results are being considered.
When considering deregulation, it is vital to listen to business. Last year, therefore, I wrote to 130 major trade associations for their views on further measures DTI should take. Over 50 per cent. responded and we are now considering the responses in detail.