Dr. Tony WrightTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the public consultation exercises on policy matters carried out by his Department and its agencies in each of the last five years; who was consulted and by what means; how responses were analysed; how and in what form the results were transmitted to those responsible for the consultation; how the results of the consultation were published; and what analysis has been carried out of the extent and nature of policy changes resulting from the consultation. [106295]
§ Mr. ByersThis Government are keen to hear what people have to say about their new proposals and policies. My Department has a broad range of responsibilities and interacts directly with the business community and many other interest groups. We consult widely on many issues, using a range of different mechanisms depending on the subject matter and interest groups involved. I regard this as an important aspect of the modernising government initiative. Comprehensive and detailed information in the form requested is, however, not held centrally and the information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.