§ Norman LambTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many regulatory impact assessments completed during 2003 resulted in Government Departments deciding not to proceed with new regulations. [149421]
§ Mr. AlexanderThere are no cross-government figures on the number of RIAs that resulted in decisions not to proceed with new regulations. The Government are committed to promoting the use of alternatives to state regulation. As set out in "Better Policy Making: A Guide to Regulatory Impact Assessment" departments are required to consider alternatives as part of the RIA process. From this year departments will be required to report on their performance on better regulation in their annual reports, including information on the use of alternatives.