Better Regulation Task Force Report: Independent Regulators

HL Deb 18 November 2003 vol 654 cc286-7WA

Lord Taylor of Warwick

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they consider that there is a need for 108 independent regulators, as identified by the Better Regulation Task Force report, Independent Regulators. [HL5409]

Lord Bassam of Brighton

It is for individual government departments to decide the most effective means of delivering a policy objective, and whether to set up an independent regulator.

The Government continue to keep public bodies under review and will establish a new body only where it is the most effective means of discussing a specific function.

The Government welcome the contribution that the Better Regulation Task Force's report makes to this area and will be responding to the recommendations early in the new year.