Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Oral Answers to Questions

John Glen Excerpts
Thursday 20th December 2012

(11 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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I call Richard Graham. Not here. That is the second time this has happened in a few days. The fellow has got to get himself sorted.

John Glen Portrait John Glen (Salisbury) (Con)
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I recently met Phil Downer, who runs a recruitment business, and he took me through the 14 pages of the new agency workers regulations that he has to fill in every time he recruits somebody for a few weeks. Will the Minister explain whether the red tape challenge is addressing this unnecessary regulation, which is a massive burden on a small business man who is trying to get on in my constituency?

Jo Swinson Portrait The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (Jo Swinson)
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The hon. Gentleman is a strong supporter of businesses in his constituency. The red tape challenge is looking at a wide range of issues and he is right to highlight that. We need to ensure that there is proper paperwork when it is necessary, but we will review whether the current burden is appropriate and proportionate.