Written question asked by Lord Cotter (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 19 April 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 4 May 2004. It was answered by Douglas Alexander (Labour) on Tuesday, 4 May 2004 on behalf of the Cabinet Office.

Cabinet Office

Question: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will make a statement on the (a) role, (b) function and (c) membership of the Panel for Regulatory Accountability.

Answer: Brian Cotter: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will make a statement on the (a) role, (b) function and (c) membership of the Panel for Regulatory Accountability. [167509] Mr. Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will set out the reformed functions of the Panel for Regulatory Accountability. [169017] Mr. Alexander: The role of the Panel for Regulatory Accountability is to clear any regulatory proposal likely to impose a major new burden on business. The panel will consider all such proposals in the context of Departments' previous regulatory performance and the overall burden of regulation across key business sectors. Apart from chairmanship by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, the membership of the panel remains unchanged, and information on the existing Panel can be found on the Cabinet Office website at www.cabinet- office.gov.uk and in the Library.

Secondary information