Written question asked by Stephen O'Brien (Conservative) on Friday, 23 January 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 2 February 2004. It was answered by Nigel Griffiths (Labour) on Monday, 2 February 2004 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if she will make a statement on the quantification of the costs and benefits of regulations on (a) consumers, (b) small and medium-sized businesses and (c) the Government in the course of regulatory impact assessments. - Inc ref to copies of full RIAs in Library.

Answer: Mr. Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the quantification of the costs and benefits of regulations on (a) consumers, (b) small and medium-sized businesses and (c) the Government in the course of regulatory impact assessments. [151365] Nigel Griffiths: The costs and benefits of a policy proposal are collated in consultation with stakeholders and recorded in the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA). All RIA are required to include a small firms impact test to ensure that policy proposals do not have a disproportionate effect on small businesses. The assessments also include a competition assessment to ensure that any policy proposals do not have negative effects on competition. Costs to Government, including enforcement costs are included in the RIA. Copies of full RIAs are placed in the Libraries of the House.

Secondary information