This report examines the matter of accountability to the House of Commons of Lord Mandelson of Foy and Hartlepool, the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform. As a member of the House of Lords he is unable to answer questions in the House of Commons. The report compares the current situation with previous examples of Cabinet ministers being in the House of Lords. The Committee notes that the current situation differs from the past in that a significant proportion of the ministerial support team is based in the Lords or shared with other departments. It is unfortunate that the department for business is so thinly represented in the Commons. One solution would be to amend Standing Orders to allow Lord Mandelson to appear at the Despatch Box to answer questions in the Commons. There are precedents for this approach. Such a change might, though, encourage governments to appoint more members of the House of Lords as department heads, and the Committee feels that would be an unwelcome and significant constitutional change. The Procedure Committee should investigate a mechanism for parliamentary questions to the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.
Mergers, acquisitions and Takeovers : The takeover of Cadbury by Kraft, ninth report of session 2009-10, report, together with formal minutes, oral and written Evidence
First Joint Report of Session 2008-09; Second Report from the Business and Enterprise Committee of Session 2008-09, First Report from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee of Session 2008-09; Report, Together with Formal Minutes and Oral Evidence
First Joint Report of Session 2008-09; Second Report from the Business and Enterprise Committee of Session 2008-09, First Report from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee of Session 2008-09; Report, Together with Formal Minutes and Oral Evidence
The committees held a joint pre-appointment hearing with Dr Colette Bowe, the chairman-elect of Ofcom. This position is one of those key public positions identified by the Governance of Britain green paper as qualifying for pre-appointment hearings from Parliamentary committees. The report examines briefly the role the chairman and provides some biographical information about Dr Bowe, her cv, and a transcript of the oral hearing. The committees conclude, having questioned Dr Bowe, that she is a suitable candidate for the post.
UK strategic export controls annual report 2008, quarterly reports for 2009, licensing policy and review of export control legislation, first joint report of session 2009-10, seventh report from the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee of session 2009-10, ninth report from the Defence Committee of session 2009-10, fourth report from the Foreign Affairs Committee of session 2009-10, fifth report from the International Development Committee of session 2009-10, report, together with formal minutes, oral and written evidence
UK strategic export controls annual report 2008, quarterly reports for 2009, licensing policy and review of export control legislation, first joint report of session 2009-10, seventh report from the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee of session 2009-10, ninth report from the Defence Committee of session 2009-10, fourth report from the Foreign Affairs Committee of session 2009-10, fifth report from the International Development Committee of session 2009-10, report, together with formal minutes, oral and written evidence
The joint committee is known as the Committees on Arms Export Controls, formerly the Quadripartite Committee. The UK strategic export controls annual report 2008 was published as Cm. 7662 (ISBN 9780101766227)
This report examines how the Post Office closure programme is being implemented and areas where it could be improved. The Network Change Programme began in July 2007 and the final consultation is scheduled to end in October 2008. This challenging timetable has meant that consultation has been curtailed, and the whole process has been rushed. The Committee does not accept that a reduction to 7,500 offices is acceptable, and a minimum of 11,500 fixed outlets is recommended. Post Office Ltd should be clearer in its approach to public consultation about closures. The Committee is also concerned that access criteria - proximity of population to offices, local transport and geographical constraints - have not been fully taken into account, nor the principle of services being fully accessible to all. The process has been improving with more experience, but there is still room for further improvement and clarity.
There has been a significant improvement in economic relations between the UK and India since the 2006 report from the Trade and Industry Committee (HC 881-I, 3rd report session 2005-06, ISBN 9780215029355), which urged greater engagement with India. Both Government and private sector bodies have worked to achieve this. The sizeable investments and deals made both by Indian companies in the UK and British companies in India are encouraging signs of a deepening relationship which should benefit both countries. The establishment of the UK-India Business Council is perhaps the most tangible manifestation of this. This new report welcomes the improved climate, but identifies areas for further work. India's economy has recently enjoyed growth rates of around 9 per cent a year; it is possible this will slow slightly in 2008 and 2009. India faces significant challenges, such as real poverty, poor infrastructure and public sector bureaucracy. But the Indian market is liberalising and has much to offer. Not all the barriers to a deepened relationship are on the Indian side. The recommendations in this report on education links, on visas, on the future of JETCO, on the work of UKTI and on trade negotiations need to be seen against this wider backdrop.
The Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill proposes substantial changes to the way that economic development policies are delivered. The four main proposals relating to economic development are: merging the existing regional economic and spatial strategies into a single integrated regional strategy, with local authorities and regional development agencies (RDAs) being jointly responsible for its drafting and agreement; giving local authorities the duty to undertake an economic assessment of their areas; devolving funding to local authorities to enable them, rather than RDAs, to deliver economic development policies; and encouraging collaboration between local authorities in delivering these policies. The Committee notes the strong support for a level of governance between central government and local authorities for the delivery of economic development policies and business support. The Committee would have liked more evidence about the effectiveness of RDAs and it is surprised the Government has proceeded with plans to restructure the way regional policy is made before the review of RDAs the Government has commissioned from PricewaterhouseCoopers is available. The Committee expresses concern over some proposals contained in the Bill: most importantly, there needs to be a proper balance between RDAs' business focus and the role of councillors in representing the views of their constituents. The proposals in the Bill about the relationship between RDAs and local authorities place too much weight on the views of RDAs and business interests, particularly during the drafting and agreement of the single integrated regional strategy. The role of local authorities - and of the communities they represent - must be strengthened. Many of the provisions of the Bill need clarifying.
Companies House has two main functions: the incorporation, dissolution and restoration of limited companies; and the maintenance of a register of company details, annual reports and accounts which it makes available for public inspection. It funds its work by charging fees and pays a small dividend to the Treasury each year. Companies House handles a vast amount of data. It is now doing much more of this electronically. This move has not been entirely smooth. In the Committee's view, the greatest difficulties facing Companies House, and those who use its services, arise from matters which are not directly controlled by Companies House itself - namely the way in which the internet has enabled faster and easier access to information. The Committee makes a number of recommendations about assessing particular risks and trying to reduce them. An underlying theme of this report is the need for Companies House to do more to explain the limitation of the information it holds. It is felt that much more could and should be done to make clear that the role of Companies House is to receive and publish data and that its power to verify information is extremely limited
A report from the 'Business and Enterprise Committee' that inquires into the effect of the 'Big 6' energy companies - which include Npower, Centrica, EDF Energy, Scottish Power, and Scottish and Southern Energy - all raising their prices between January and April 2008. It aims to feed into a separate inquiry being carried out by Ofgem.
In a report published today, (HCP 588, session 2008-09, ISBN 9780215540393) the Business and Enterprise Committee says the Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme (EFG) appears to be working well but expresses concern about potential behaviour of some banks involved in the scheme. The Committee notes that when lending dried up after the credit crunch there were criticisms of lack of speedy government help for business. The Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme was introduced on 14 January 2009 to help the flow of credit to small and medium size enterprises. However, the Committee expresses concern about the potential behaviour of some of the banks involved in the scheme and today invites evidence from businesses to monitor this. The Government left the decision as to which companies should benefit from its financial guarantees to the banks. In the Committee's view this places a great responsibility on the banks to ensure that those eligible for the scheme benefit from it. While it is understandable that, in some cases, banks have had to refuse companies access to the scheme because they have doubts about the long-term viability of the business, Committee members have also been made aware of cases where banks are not offering companies a choice, instead offering single measures, such as factoring, to businesses which would be eligible to benefit from this scheme.
The construction industry provides employment for more than 2.8 million people, contributed 8.7 per cent of the UK economy's gross value-added (GVA) in 2006. The built environment is estimated to account for some 70 per cent of UK manufactured wealth. The industry's ability to deliver projects successfully in terms of time, cost and design quality has a major impact on the economy's wider performance. Construction is vital for the provision of good quality public services, and plays a role in the delivery of just over half of the Government's 30 public service agreements. It is also key to the long-term objective of making the UK a low-carbon society: buildings account for around half of greenhouse gas emissions. The health of the construction industry is a matter of public concern. The industry is complex and fragmented; it operates on low profit margins. There are difficulties in ensuring that lessons from experience are shared; that the workforce is sufficiently trained; and that appropriate contractual relationships are in place between different parts of the supply chain. The industry has set new targets for itself, and, in conjunction with government, established a Strategy for Sustainable Construction. The Government, because of its roles as both client and regulator, can and must be at the forefront of the drive to embed best practice. The sector also needs strategic leadership, and the Committee recommends the creation of the post of Chief Construction Officer, which both government and the industry should accept as having overall responsibility for construction.
Previous report on this subject was HC 26-I, session 2008-09 (ISBN 9780215530127) by this Committee's predecessor the Business and Enterprise Committee
The Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill proposes substantial changes to the way that economic development policies are delivered. The four main proposals relating to economic development are: merging the existing regional economic and spatial strategies into a single integrated regional strategy, with local authorities and regional development agencies (RDAs) being jointly responsible for its drafting and agreement; giving local authorities the duty to undertake an economic assessment of their areas; devolving funding to local authorities to enable them, rather than RDAs, to deliver economic development policies; and encouraging collaboration between local authorities in delivering these policies. The Committee notes the strong support for a level of governance between central government and local authorities for the delivery of economic development policies and business support. The Committee would have liked more evidence about the effectiveness of RDAs and it is surprised the Government has proceeded with plans to restructure the way regional policy is made before the review of RDAs the Government has commissioned from PricewaterhouseCoopers is available. The Committee expresses concern over some proposals contained in the Bill: most importantly, there needs to be a proper balance between RDAs' business focus and the role of councillors in representing the views of their constituents. The proposals in the Bill about the relationship between RDAs and local authorities place too much weight on the views of RDAs and business interests, particularly during the drafting and agreement of the single integrated regional strategy. The role of local authorities - and of the communities they represent - must be strengthened. Many of the provisions of the Bill need clarifying.
maintaining UK excellence in motorsport and aerospace, sixth report of session 2009-10, report, together with formal minutes, oral and written evidence
maintaining UK excellence in motorsport and aerospace, sixth report of session 2009-10, report, together with formal minutes, oral and written evidence
Motorsport and aerospace are two industries in which the United Kingdom is a world leader and the Committee believes that the future success of the UK economy will be based on these types of industries. Concerns regarding the aerospace included the current US complaint in the World Trade organisation and the Government's right to support the industry through Repayable Launch Investment; and that the UK aerospace sector has access to export trade credit at less favourable rates and through a more complex system than other countries. In examining the motorsport industry the Committee felt that there was a lack of understanding and effective engagement by Government. They are not content with the Government's current plans to take forward its work with the sector through the UK Automotive Council. Instead they recommend that the Government establish a dedicated motorsport policy team within the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Small and medium-sized enterprises also play a very important role in supporting both sectors but they have been hit worst by the recession and the Government needs to do more to encourage high performance engineering firms to diversify. Both sectors require a highly skilled workforce and more needs to be done to align the education system with the skills needs of the industries. Finally is the problem of the 'non-green' image that both industries have.
The new Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (DBIS) was formed in June 2009 by the merger of the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS). This report looks back on the last departmental report of the old Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform and considers the progress made in moving forward the new Department. The Committee welcomes the creation of the new Department which brings under one roof the business and further and higher education sectors. The Committee believes this could deliver significant potential benefits. The report examines the merger process, the delivery agencies, public service agreements and departmental strategic objectives, and future departmental reports and resource accounts. The report also focuses on the Automotive Assistance Scheme, designed primarily to support investment in low carbon plant and research and development. It welcomes the lowering of the limit of the Scheme from £5 million to £1 million, in line with its recommendation made in July, but is deeply concerned that not a single loan or loan guarantee has been made under the programme. The Committee calls on the Government to expedite its negotiations, and prove to the Committee and the automotive industry that the Scheme can provide tangible benefits to companies in the sector.
UK strategic export controls annual report 2009, quarterly reports for 2010, licensing policy and review of export control legislation, first joint report of session 2010-11, fourth report from the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee of session 2010-11, second report from the Defence Committee of session 2010-11, fifth report from the Foreign Affairs Committee of session 2010-11, sixth report from the International Development Committee of session 2010-11, report, together with formal minutes, oral and written evidence
UK strategic export controls annual report 2009, quarterly reports for 2010, licensing policy and review of export control legislation, first joint report of session 2010-11, fourth report from the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee of session 2010-11, second report from the Defence Committee of session 2010-11, fifth report from the Foreign Affairs Committee of session 2010-11, sixth report from the International Development Committee of session 2010-11, report, together with formal minutes, oral and written evidence
This is the first joint report on arms export controls since the present Government took office in May 2010. As in previous years, the report reviews the Government's policy on arms exports, its administration and enforcement, and the adequacy or otherwise of current legislation. This year the Committees have paid particular attention to the Government's policy of intensifying the promotion of arms exports. The policy has come under scrutiny following the uprisings and demonstrations in recent weeks in North Africa and the wider Middle East and the armed response made to them. Since January 2011 the Government has been vigorously backpedalling on a number of arms export licence approvals to authoritarian regimes across the region. The MPs conclude that both the present Government and its predecessor misjudged the risk that arms approved for export to certain authoritarian countries in North Africa and the Middle East might be used for internal repression. The Committees welcome the revocation of a number of arms export licences to Bahrain, Egypt, Libya and Tunisia, and recommend that the Government extends immediately its review of UK arms export licences for countries in North Africa and the wider Middle East to authoritarian regimes worldwide. The Government should also set out how it intends to reconcile the potential conflict of interest between increased emphasis on promoting arms exports with the staunch upholding of human rights.
This report examines the matter of accountability to the House of Commons of Lord Mandelson of Foy and Hartlepool, the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform. As a member of the House of Lords he is unable to answer questions in the House of Commons. The report compares the current situation with previous examples of Cabinet ministers being in the House of Lords. The Committee notes that the current situation differs from the past in that a significant proportion of the ministerial support team is based in the Lords or shared with other departments. It is unfortunate that the department for business is so thinly represented in the Commons. One solution would be to amend Standing Orders to allow Lord Mandelson to appear at the Despatch Box to answer questions in the Commons. There are precedents for this approach. Such a change might, though, encourage governments to appoint more members of the House of Lords as department heads, and the Committee feels that would be an unwelcome and significant constitutional change. The Procedure Committee should investigate a mechanism for parliamentary questions to the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.
A report that considers the broad issue of why science and engineering are important and why they should be at the heart of Government policy. It also considers three more specific issues: the debate on strategic priorities; the principles that inform science funding decisions; and, the scrutiny of science and engineering across Government.
The Committee calls for a wholesale review that goes beyond the administration of business rates to examine whether retail taxes should be based on sales rather than the rateable value of a property; whether retail needs its own system of business taxation; and how frequently revaluations should take place. In the interim, the Committee calls for a six months business rates amnesty for businesses occupying empty properties. This would go further than the 50% reduction announced in the Autumn Statement and would encourage new businesses to the High Street. The Committee also recommends that in the interim the Government review whether business rates are more appropriately linked to CPI or RPI and calls for annual increases to be linked to a 12 month average of either RPI or CPI, with a cap at 2%. This would replace the current link to a monthly snapshot of RPI. The Government should provide information on how and how much of the money allocated to the Portas Pilots is being spent. This follows concerns that much of the money allocated to the pilots has not been spent. The Government is also urged to outline the results of its latest STEM skills analysis and outline the action it will take to tackle any skills shortages. The retail sector also needs to encourage more staff to be trained at Apprenticeship Level 3 and above, and consider developing language skills to enhance the international consumers' experience
This is the 11th report from the Business and Enterprise Committee, of the 2008-09 session (HCP 746-I, ISBN 9780215540898) entitled "Risk and reward: sustaining a higher value-added economy". The report seeks to look beyond the current recession and its causes. The report says that despite the real and severe challenges facing the country at present, Britain has a much more successful and innovative economy than is generally recognised, and that it has the potential to build a very successful higher value-added economy.The report also looks at areas where more could be done to foster higher value-added activities, and makes a number of specific and more general recommendations on issues such as encouraging research and development, public procurement, the need for broader definitions of innovation, developing clusters of innovative businesses and the role of universities. It also urges that the route to a higher skilled workforce lies in simplifying the skills system and ensuring that young people properly understand the opportunities in the modern economy. Following Committee visits to well-established clusters of higher value-added activity, the Committee identified six key factors in their success: (1) Skills: the successful centres visited were seen to build on the intellectual capital around them; (2) Ideas: the areas visited had centres of research excellence and many organisations dedicated to ensuring ideas could be successfully commercialised. (3) Networks: ultimately, success owed a great deal to the fact that different parts of the system were connected to one another. Universities and technology transfer organisations collaborated; venture capitalists had links to universities and to local government. (4) Finance: there was ready access to risk capital, and encouragement and help for would-be entrepreneurs. (5) Leadership: this could come from business, from academia, or from the relevant part of government. Often, a variety of organisations worked together, or complemented one another. (6) Culture: it was taken as read that good ideas should be commercialised and accepted that not every initiative or business would succeed - indeed frequent failure was seen as part of the price of success. However, in the Committee's view, the most urgent change is one of culture, and that will be the hardest to bring about. For Volume 2, Oral and Written Evidence (see ISBN 9780215540874).
In this report the Committee calls on the Government to provide strategic leadership to ensure the timely delivery of a smart grid. Existing regulatory and policy frameworks, along with the current grid infrastructure, were developed to serve the fossil fuel economy of the twentieth century. By 2020 the UK electricity network will need to accommodate a far more diverse energy mix that includes a much higher proportion of renewables that cannot respond so easily to fluctuating demand. The only cost-effective response to these developments is the creation of a smart grid that intelligently manages demand and supply across the energy system. Concerns noted in the report include: Ofgem granting funding for new grid investment projects before the completion of a fundamental review of how better use can be made of the existing network; the increase in the cost of managing electricity flows across the system caused by inherent flaws in the British Electricity Trading and Transmission Arrangements (BETTA); the industry's failure to agree a new transmission access regime that will tackle the queue of 60 GW of generation, a large proportion of which is renewables, waiting to connect to the grid; the absence of a "culture of innovation" within the networks sector; the growing shortage of trained people in the networks sector.
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