§ Mr. ConnartyTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) how her Department was consulted on the proposal to charge £95 for each work permit for entertainers playing engagements in the UK; and how she responded; [106473]
(2) what assessment she has made of the impact upon live music venues of the decision to charge for work permits in the UK. [106458]
§ Dr. HowellsDCMS was sent details of the charging proposals as part of the formal consultation Work Permits United Kingdom (WPUK) conducted last year and made no comment. The findings of the consultation document were published on 30 September 2002 and are available on the WPUK website at www.workpermits.gov.uk.
I have not assessed the impact of the charges on live music venues but WPUK's Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) states that the costs and impact on business will be reviewed annually, and that consideration will be given to evidence provided in relation to exemptions or discounts for certain types of employers or employment. Details of the RIA are on the Home Office website at www.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk