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Post Office
Dr. Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what advice will be given to customers of post offices which are expected to be closed in the restructuring of Post Office Counters networks in respect of where they will be able to receive post office counter services; and if she will make a statement. [48796]
Mr. Alexander [holding answer 15 April 2002]: The Post Offices objective in restructuring the urban network is to retain and expand its customer base at modernised, improved facilities. Sub-postmasters leaving the network will be encouraged to help achieve this, for example, assisting customers by advising them of the nearest post office and introducing them to services available at the new outlet. Consultation on closure will involve the community, local stakeholders, sub-postmasters and Postwatch.
Under the Code of Practice, Post Office Ltd. are required to consult Postwatch on individual changes and plan to brief them on the process they envisage for reaching decisions.
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John Cryer: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) how many agency workers have been involved in delivering mail for the Royal Mail in the past year; [49946]
- (2) how many cases of missing contents from post were recorded by the Royal Mail in the last year; of these, how many were investigated; and how many prosecutions were instigated. [49944]
Mr. Alexander: These are matters that falls within the day to day responsibility of Consignia and I have therefore asked the chief executive to reply direct to the hon. Member.
Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what information she has received from Consignia on the number of proposed closures of post offices in Norfolk. [48990]
Mr. Alexander [holding answer 16 April 2002]: This is an operational matter for Post Office Ltd. The programme of urban restructuring has not yet begun.
Wainstones Plc
Mr. Streeter: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to what extent Wainstones plc may transfer to a third party the licence to build a gas-fuelled power station at Langage, Plympton. [50987]
Mr. Wilson: Like any planning permission, the consent goes with the land and as such can be transferred.
Mr. Streeter: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the licence granted to Wainstones plc to build a gas-fuelled power station at Langage contained a condition as to timescale for commencement of the project. [50986]
Mr. Wilson: The commencement of the development must be before the expiry of five years from the grant of consent.
Corus
Mr. Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on Government actions to encourage business and industry to develop in the areas affected by Corus Steel plant closures. [50637]
Alan Johnson: Measures to help the Tees Valley and Scunthorpe areas, including regeneration and improvements to infrastructure, training and advice for people leaving Corus and help in the establishment of small firms were announced on 3 May 2001 as part of a £135 million package responding to closures in England and Wales. These are now being implemented. Measures in Wales are matters for the Assembly.
My Department is also in contact with the South Yorkshire Task Force, and will discuss their report with them once it has been finalised.
Lakshmi Mittal
Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether she sought advice from HM ambassadors to (a) the Irish Republic and (b) Kazakhstan in connection with the takeover of Sidex by LNM/Ispat. [50454]
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Ms Hewitt: No I did not seek advice from either ambassador.
Small Businesses
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions she has had with the Small Business Service about the regulatory burdens on small companies. [49477]
Nigel Griffiths: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has appointed me as the Minister for Small Business. Since January I have had three meetings with Small Business Service (SBS) officials specifically about regulatory burdens and had a number of other meetings where regulating issues have been discussed.
Broadband
Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what policy initiatives are being considered in response to the recommendations of the Broadband Stakeholder Group. [49858]
Mr. Alexander: The Government response to the Broadband Stakeholder Group's report was set out in the UK Online annual report 2001, copies of which have been placed in the Libraries of the House.
Delegated Legislation
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what assessment she has made of the cost-effectiveness of the Public Telecommunication System Designation (Carrier 1 UK Ltd.) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50186]
- (2) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Limited Liability Partnerships (Forms) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50218]
(3) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Public Telecommunication System Designation (Midlands Electricity plc) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50236]
(4) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Public Telecommunication System Designation (Broadnet UK Ltd.) Order; and if she will make a statement. [50185]
(5) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Companies (Disqualification Orders) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50216]
(6) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Public Telecommunication System Designation (Alpha Telecom Communications Ltd.) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50242]
(7) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Limited Liability Partnerships Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50217]
(8) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Public Telecommunication System Designation (-E Tel) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50244]
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(9) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Postal Services Act 2000 (Commencement No. 4 and Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50211]
(10) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Insurers (Winding Up) (Scotland) Rules; and if she will make a statement; [50230]
(11) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for Use Outdoors Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50266]
(12) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Employment Protection (Continuity of Employment) (Amendment) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50203]
(13) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Insolvency (Amendment) Rules; and if she will make a statement; [50225]
(14) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Utilities Act 2000 (Transitional Provisions) (No. 2) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50258]
(15) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Public Telecommunication System Designation (Williams Communications UK Ltd.) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50187]
(16) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Postal Services Act 2000 (Commencement No.3 and Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50219]
(17) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Public Telecommunication System Designation (SSE Telecommunications Ltd.) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50241]
(18) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Postal Services Commission (Register) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50094]
(19) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Export of Goods (Control) (Amendment No.2) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50106]
(20) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Public Telecommunication System Designation (First Mark Carrier (UK) Ltd.) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50195]
(21) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Weighing Equipment (Beltweighers) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50276]
(22) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Electricity Act 1989 (Commencement No. 3) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50250]
(23) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Company and Business Names (Chamber of Commerce etc.) Act 1999 (Commencement) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50098]
(24) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Public Telecommunication System Designation (Universal Access UK Ltd.) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50114]
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(25) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Employment Tribunals (Constitution and Rules of Procedure) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50207]
(26) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Export of Goods (Control) (Amendment) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50234]
(27) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Utilities Act 2000 (Commencement No. 4 and Transitional Provisions) Amendment Order; and if she will make a statement; [50262]
(28) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Public Telecommunication System Designation (Fibreway Ltd.) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50191]
(29) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Partnership (Unrestricted Size) No.16 Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50272]
(30) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres (Amendment) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50246]
(31) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Companies (EU Political Expenditure) Exemption Order; and if she will make a statement; [50093]
(32) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Unsolicited Goods and Services Act 1971 (Electronic Communications) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50110]
(33) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Partnerships (Unrestricted Size) No. 17 Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50199]
(34) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Insolvent Partnerships (Amendment) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50222]
(35) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Electricity from Non-Fossil Fuel Sources Saving Arrangements (Amendment) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50254]
(36) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Units of Measurement Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50102]
(37) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Part-time Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50213]
(38) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for use Outdoors (Amendment) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50238]
(39) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Employment Tribunals (Constitution and Rules of Procedure) (Amendment) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50268]
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(40) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts (Amendment) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50205]
(41) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Insolvency Fees (Amendment) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50228]
(42) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Working Time (Amendment) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50260]
(43) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Public Telecommunication System Designation (Energis Local Access Ltd.) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50189]
(44) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Stop Now Orders (EC Directive) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50270]
(45) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Trade Marks (Amendment) Rules; and if she will make a statement; [50240]
(46) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Postal Services Act 2000 (Commencement No.2) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50091]
(47) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Limited Liability Partnerships (Welsh Language Forums) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50108]
(48) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Batteries and Accumulators (Containing Dangerous Substances) (Amendment) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50197]
(49) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc.) (Modification) (Amendment) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50220]
(50) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Fossil Fuel Levy (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50252]
(51) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Companies (Unregistered Companies) (Amendment) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50100]
(52) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Postal Services Act 2000 (Consequential Modifications No. 1) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50209]
(53) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Registered Designs (Amendment) Rules; and if she will make a statement; [50232]
(54) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Dismissal Procedures Agreement Designation (Electrical Contracting Industry) Order 1991 Revocation Order; and if she will make a statement; [50264]
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(55) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Public Telecommunication System Designation (GTS Network (Ireland) Ltd.) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50193]
(56) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Weights and Measures (Intoxicating Liquor) (Amendment) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50274]
(57) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the GAS (Applications for Licences and Extensions and Restrictions of Licences) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50248]
(58) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Merger report (Interview SA and Bass plc) (Interim Provision) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50096]
(59) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Sub-Post Office Start-Up Capital Subsidy Scheme Order; and if she will make a statement; [50112]
(60) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Post Office Company (Nomination and Appointed Day) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50201]
(61) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Insolvent Companies (Disqualification of Unfit Directors) Proceedings (Amendment) Rules; and if she will make a statement; [50224]
(62) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Utilities Act 2000 (Commencement No. 6 and Transitional Provisions) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50255]
(63) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Postal Services Act 2000 (Consequential Modifications to Local Enactments No. 1); and if she will make a statement; [50088]
(64) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Supply, Sale and Export of Petroleum and Petroleum Products) (Revocation) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50104]
(65) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Limited Liability Partnership (Fees) (No.2) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50215]
(66) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Electricity from Non-Fossil Fuel Sources (Locational Flexibility) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50243]
(67) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the National Minimum Wage Regulations 1999 (Amendment) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50212]
(68) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Maternity and Parental Leave (Amendment) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50237]
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(69) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Employment Relations Act 1999 (Commencement No. 8) (Amendment) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50267]
(70) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Employment Relations Act 1999 (Commencement No. 8) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50204]
(71) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Postal Services Act 2000 (Disclosure of Information) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50251]
(72) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Employment Tribunals (Increase of Maximum Deposit) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50099]
(73) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Employment Tribunals (Constitution and Rules of Procedure) (Scotland); and if she will make a statement; [50208]
(74) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Registered Designs (Fees) (Amendment) Rules; and if she will make a statement; [50233]
(75) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Offshore Petroleum Activities (Conservation of Habits) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50263]
(76) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Public Telecommunication System Designation (Isle of Wight Cable and Telephone Company Ltd.) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50192]
(77) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Dual-Use Items (Export Control) (Amendment) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50273]
(78) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Electricity (Applications for Licences and Extensions and Restrictions of Licences) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50247]
(79) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Competition Act 1998 (Public Transport Ticketing Schemes Block Exemption); and if she will make a statement; [50095]
(80) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the National Minimum Wage Regulations 1999 (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50111]
(81) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Wireless Telegraphy (Licence Charges) (Amendment) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50200]
(82) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Insolvency Act 2000 (Commencement No. 1 and Transitional Provisions) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50223]
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(83) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Employment Rights (Increase of Limits) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50103]
(84) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Offshore Combustion Installations (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50214]
(85) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Public Telecommunication System Designation (Eigernet Ltd.) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50239]
(86) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the ACAS Arbitration Scheme (England and Wales) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50206]
(87) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Wireless Telegraphy (Exemption) (Amendment) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50229]
(88) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Utilities Act 2000 (Commencement No. 5 and Transitional Provisions) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50261]
(89) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Public Telecommunication System Designation (ntl Group Ltd.) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50190]
(90) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Patents (Amendment) Rules; and if she will make a statement; [50271]
(91) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Electricity Act 1989 (Requirement of Consent for Offshore Wind and Water Driven Generating Stations) (England and Wales) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50245]
(92) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Limited Liability Partnerships (Fees) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50092]
(93) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the EC Competition Law (Articles 84 and 85) Enforcement Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50109]
(94) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Telecommunications (Licence Modifications) (Amendment) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50198]
(95) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Insolvent Companies (Reports on Conduct of Directors) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50221]
(96) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Electricity (Class Exemptions) from the Requirement for a Licence Order; and if she will make a statement; [50253]
(97) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Weights and Measures (Metrication Amendments) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50101]
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(98) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Postal Services Act 2000 (Determination of Turnover for Penalties) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50210]
(99) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Registered Designs Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50231]
(100) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Insolvency Act 2000 (Commencement No. 2) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50265]
(101) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Public Telecommunication System Designation (Nextlink UK Ltd.) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50194]
(102) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Measuring Equipment (Cold-Water Meters) (Amendment) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50275]
(103) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Electricity from Non-Fossil Fuel Sources (Scotland) Saving Arrangements Order; and if she will make a statement; [50249]
(104) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Company and Business Names (Amendment) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50097]
(105) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Public Telecommunication System Designation (Verizon Global Solutions UK Ltd.) Order; and if she will make a statement; [50113]
(106) what assessment she has made of the cost effectiveness of the Merger (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50202]
(107) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Insolvent Companies (Reports on Conduct of Directors) (Amendment) Rules; and if she will make a statement; [50226]
(108) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Electricity (Standards of Performance) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50257]
(109) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Utilities Act 2000 (Transitional Provisions) Regulations; and if she will make a statement; [50089]
(110) what assessment she has made of the cost- effectiveness of the Wireless Telegraphy (Broadband Fixed Wireless Access Licences) Regulations; and if she will make a statement. [50105]
Ms Hewitt: The Department makes an assessment of the costs and benefits of regulations when developing regulatory proposals. Where a regulatory proposal has an impact, in terms of costs, benefits and risks that affect businesses, charities and the voluntary sector, a regulatory impact assessment (RIA) is undertaken to inform policy development. Final RIAs are placed in the Libraries of the House when the regulation is presented to Parliament, but are not required for regulations where it has been assessed that no or negligible costs or savings would be
18 Apr 2002 : Column 1152W
imposed or those that increase statutory fees via a predetermined formula. The Small Business Service are consulted on RIAs to ensure that the impact on small firms is not disproportionate.
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