HC Deb 17 March 2004 vol 419 cc376-7W
Tony Wright

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office pursuant to his written Statement on 9 February 2004,Official Report, column 61 WS, on the Regulation Task Force Report, Independent Regulators, who is leading this review; what its remit is; what resources are at its disposal; when it is likely to report; whether the report will be made public; and if he will make a statement. [159481]

Mr. Alexander

The review of public bodies referred to in my written statement of 9 February 2004 on the Better Regulation Task Force Report 'Independent Regulators' was prompted by the Public Administration Select Committee's Fourth Report of Session 2002–2003 'Government by Appointment:

Opening Up the Patronage State' (HC 165). In response to the first recommendation of that report the Government stated that: The Government agrees with the Committee that the variety and complexity of public bodies sponsored by central Government Departments supports the need for a review of their definition and scope. The Cabinet Office will therefore undertake a review of the types of body currently in existence and the outcome of this will feed into the work proposed in response to recommendations 4 and 5.

The Review is being carried out by the Cabinet Office within existing resources and work is expected to be complete by the end of December 2004. The final report will review the types of body currently in existence and will be made publicly available on the Cabinet Office website.

Mr. Heald

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will make a statement on the action taken by the Government in response to recommendations made by the Better Regulation Task Force. [161957]

Mr. Alexander

Since it was established in 1997, the Better Regulation Task Force has made around 400 recommendations to Government. All but 10 have been accepted.

Recent actions in response to Task Force recommendations include the announcement of common commencement dates for domestic employment regulations and the strengthening of guidance on Government consultation.

The Task Force monitors the Government's implementation of its recommendations.

Mr. Heald

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office pursuant to his answer of 9 March 2004.Official Report, column 1397W, on the Better Regulation Task Force, if he will break down the cost of the task force by inquiry. [162020]

Mr. Alexander

Published inquiries are only one aspect of the Better Regulation Task Force's work. The cost of individual inquiries cannot be disaggregated from the Task Force's overall running costs.