HC Deb 08 March 2000 vol 345 c688W
12. Mr. Bercow

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what plans she has to reduce the number of regulations issued by Government Departments. [112268]

Mr. Stringer

Each Government Department now has a Regulatory Reform Minister. These Ministers are directly responsible for delivering our regulatory strategy in their Department includinggetting rid of unnecessary regulations; and consulting with business on any essential new proposals.

My right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office will chair a Regulatory Accountability Panel which will be examining the regulatory performance and programmes of each Department. Together with the requirement to produce regulatory impact assessments, these arrangements will ensure that this Government regulates only where necessary and in the least burdensome way.