Yeo: war on red-tape

The Conservatives have revealed details of an eight-strong group which will target red tape.

The group will consider suggestions from business, consumers and employee groups for the abolition or amendment of existing and prospective regulations.

It contains representatives from small and large business, from trade organisations and think tanks, and brings together a wide array of experience.

Its members include former Tesco boss Lord MacLaurin of Knebworth and Ruth Lea, the chief economist at the Institute of Directors.

John McIntosh, the head teacher of the London Oratory School, which was attended by Tony Blair's son Euan, will also sit on the committee.

Tim Yeo, the shadow trade secretary, said: "The Conservative Party wants to listen to the concerns of business, employees and consumers not just on the burden of regulation, but also on the process of implementation and the cost of implementation.

"We want to make progress towards a balanced approach to regulation. We need to define regulation as an issue concerning all areas of the economic, public and private sector, big business and small."

Ruth Lea said red tape was stifling business and hitting the economy. "The regulatory burden is becoming progressively more onerous. This can only hold back British business's performance," she said.

"Moreover, it is almost inevitable that the burden will worsen. Any initiatives that can improve this situation will be warmly welcomed by business."