§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will make a statement on the impact of business tax and regulation upon the profitability of British manufacturing; [10657]
(2) if he will make a statement on the effects of business tax and regulation upon the competitiveness of manufacturing. [10656]
§ Mr. BoatengSuccessive Budgets have set out new measures as part of the Government's clear strategy to boost competition, productivity, enterprise and innovation, skills, investment and encourage economic growth across all regions. The Government seek to make Britain the most competitive environment for business in the world.
The Government are committed to tackling regulatory burdens and supporting business. Lord Haskins' better regulation task force has been established to advise the Government on regulatory issues. The new Regulatory Reform Act 2001 will also play a vital role in the drive to reform over-burdensome legislation. Under this Act, over 50 potential reforms have been identified, with nine measures out to consultation and one potential regulatory reform order already laid. The panel for regulatory accountability calls departmental regulatory reform Ministers to account for their Department's regulatory performance. The Government are also committed to publishing regulatory impact assessments for all new measures having an impact on business.