Cutting A Few DTI Jobs Will Not Conquer Red Tape Mountain

12.46.41pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 17th Nov 2003

Brian Cotter MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Small Business Minister

Commenting on the Chancellor's decision to cut bureaucracy by axing 500 jobs at the Department of Trade and Industry, Liberal Democrat Small Business Spokesman, Brian Cotter MP will tell the CBI's annual conference later today that the DTI as a department is living on borrowed time.

Mr Cotter said: "Today's announcement is little more than a sop to the business community, who are struggling to cope with the endless Government dictates which thwart innovation and discourage initiative on a daily basis."

"British businesses must be set free by cutting Government interference. Millions of people operating through the market produce better outcomes that government bureaucrats can."

"The DTI, and its army of Sir Humphrey's, should be scrapped. Business would be better represented in cabinet by a Minister for Deregulation responsible for cutting back unnecessary regulation and red tape."

"This would reduce bureaucracy, save costs and deliver help to businesses more effectively at a regional level."

"By trimming down the bloated Whitehall machine and providing a root and branch reform of Government, the Liberal Democrats would provide a better deal for British business."