I propose to take Questions Nos. 118 and 133 together.
My Department is charged with leading the cross-Government drive to reduce administrative burdens on business. We are doing this in a prioritised way, drawing on the experiences of other Member States who are also involved in this international effort. Departments are currently identifying the "Information Obligations", contained in their legislation, likely to be causing the biggest burdens for business. When the top Information Obligations have been identified, these priorities will be measured and, following this, simplification plans will be developed, detailing how the reductions are to be carried out. Work is now well advanced in my own Department in measuring information obligations in Company Law, Employment Law, and Health & Safety Law.
My Department has identified 34 priority Information Obligations across these three areas. The priorities were identified through consultation with business groups and experts, and by comparison with the results of the UK measurement exercise. It is envisaged that measurement of the 34 Information Obligations will be completed by the end of 2009. Other Departments are currently listing and prioritising the Information Obligations contained in the legislation under their responsibility. Measurement of priorities identified across Government will be carried out during 2010. Once these measurements have been concluded, simplification plans will be developed. Following this, simplification will be carried out during 2011 and 2012.
