§ Mr. Bob RussellTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans he has to reduce the level of bureaucracy affecting small business; and if he will make a statement. [49375]
§ Dr. David ClarkI am committed to publishing new guidance, produced by the Better Regulation Unit, which will require Government Departments to make an assessment of risk, cost and benefits of any new regulations affecting business, charities, consumers and, in particular, small business. I hope to publish this guidance by the end of the summer.
In addition, the Access Business Group, chaired by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service, (which includes representatives of central 255W Government, business and local government) is continuing its work to make the regulatory system more transparent, accessible and helpful.
At the European level, I am working with the European Commission to establish a new mechanism for consulting business direct on new regulatory proposals. A pilot test panel of European businesses, agreed under the UK Presidency, will enable the voice of British business, including small firms, to be heard in Brussels and help reduce unnecessary bureaucracy.