§ Chris GraylingTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what measures he is taking to simplify and reduce the number and cost of regulations on business. [2069]
§ Mr. LeslieThe Government are taking a number of measures to control the regulatory burden.
A Regulatory Impact Assessment is required for each new proposal for regulation affecting business to ensure it is necessary and not cumbersome. The Panel for Regulatory Accountability, now given Cabinet Committee status, meets monthly to discuss regulatory performance with departmental Ministers.
At European level we are working closely with other member states and the Commission to build on the real progress my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister reported to the House on 26 March following the Stockholm European Council.
The Regulatory Reform Act 2001 now provides a new and powerful tool for reforming over-burdensome, over-complex and outdated primary legislation. We have identified over 50 examples of reforms that could be delivered by the order-making power in the Act and already issued seven consultation documents on prospective RROs, with more to follow shortly.