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12/08/2004
CBI concerned at loss of 'business voice'
CBI Director-General Digby Jones has said that business would "examine with interest" the proposals put forward by the Conservative party for reforming the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
He said: "All political parties should be clear that firms need an effective champion at the heart of government. It would be disastrous if the business voice were to get lost in party politics.
Mr Jones added: "It is also important that those who make the rules have first hand knowledge of the environment in which businesses operate.
"The DTI must have the resources it needs to do the job. There is a world of difference between streamlining a department and cutting it to the bone to the point of emasculation.
"Firms are right behind the drive for greater government efficiency. We were encouraged by the way the DTI sought to reform itself in the run up to the spending review.
"It is encouraging to see the Conservatives propose a department for business. After all, without successful business there is no wealth creation from which to pay taxes to build schools and hospitals."
Yesterday, opposition parties proposed the virtual end of the line for the DTI in its current form, after the Tories pledged to sacrifice 80% of the Department's workforce in a bid to reduce Whitehall bureaucracy, and the Lib Dems reiterated plans to simply abolish it altogether.
Tory Shadow Chancellor Oliver Letwin said the plans would aim to "cut the department down to size" by removing 4,000 of the 5,000 jobs at the department's headquarters.
Claiming that the DTI was costing the British taxpayer some £750 million-a-year, he said that the department was "all too typical of the bloated bureaucracy Labour has created" which instead of helping business was "stifling free enterprise".
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He said: "All political parties should be clear that firms need an effective champion at the heart of government. It would be disastrous if the business voice were to get lost in party politics.
Mr Jones added: "It is also important that those who make the rules have first hand knowledge of the environment in which businesses operate.
"The DTI must have the resources it needs to do the job. There is a world of difference between streamlining a department and cutting it to the bone to the point of emasculation.
"Firms are right behind the drive for greater government efficiency. We were encouraged by the way the DTI sought to reform itself in the run up to the spending review.
"It is encouraging to see the Conservatives propose a department for business. After all, without successful business there is no wealth creation from which to pay taxes to build schools and hospitals."
Yesterday, opposition parties proposed the virtual end of the line for the DTI in its current form, after the Tories pledged to sacrifice 80% of the Department's workforce in a bid to reduce Whitehall bureaucracy, and the Lib Dems reiterated plans to simply abolish it altogether.
Tory Shadow Chancellor Oliver Letwin said the plans would aim to "cut the department down to size" by removing 4,000 of the 5,000 jobs at the department's headquarters.
Claiming that the DTI was costing the British taxpayer some £750 million-a-year, he said that the department was "all too typical of the bloated bureaucracy Labour has created" which instead of helping business was "stifling free enterprise".
(SP)
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12 August 2004
Opposition parties target DTI for bureaucracy busting cuts
An end to the Labour government could also spell the end of the Department for Trade and Industry (DTI), after the Opposition parties targeted the department for cuts in a bid to reduce Whitehall bureaucracy.
Opposition parties target DTI for bureaucracy busting cuts
An end to the Labour government could also spell the end of the Department for Trade and Industry (DTI), after the Opposition parties targeted the department for cuts in a bid to reduce Whitehall bureaucracy.
17 November 2004
Blair outlines five-year plan for DTI
Technology and innovation are at the heart of the Department for Trade and Industry's (DTI) five-year plan outlined by the Prime Minister today. The plan focuses on how the UK will develop a strong, modern knowledge-based economy, which can meet the challenges posed by rapidly emerging economies and new technologies.
Blair outlines five-year plan for DTI
Technology and innovation are at the heart of the Department for Trade and Industry's (DTI) five-year plan outlined by the Prime Minister today. The plan focuses on how the UK will develop a strong, modern knowledge-based economy, which can meet the challenges posed by rapidly emerging economies and new technologies.
10 May 2006
Lib Dem donor extradited to UK on fraud charges
A millionaire businessman who donated over £2 million to the Liberal Democrats has been extradited to the UK after being arrested in a fraud investigation. Michael Brown, 40, a Glasgow-born businessman who is now based in Spain, was arrested in Madrid on fraud charges brought by the HSBC bank. The case does not involve the Liberal Democrat party.
Lib Dem donor extradited to UK on fraud charges
A millionaire businessman who donated over £2 million to the Liberal Democrats has been extradited to the UK after being arrested in a fraud investigation. Michael Brown, 40, a Glasgow-born businessman who is now based in Spain, was arrested in Madrid on fraud charges brought by the HSBC bank. The case does not involve the Liberal Democrat party.
22 July 2004
Public views urged for future of political broadcasts
The public are being asked for their views on the future of Party Political Broadcasts. The consultation paper published today plans to ensure the current system is right for the multi-channel age. Current arrangements for Party Political Broadcasts date back to 1924.
Public views urged for future of political broadcasts
The public are being asked for their views on the future of Party Political Broadcasts. The consultation paper published today plans to ensure the current system is right for the multi-channel age. Current arrangements for Party Political Broadcasts date back to 1924.
15 April 2005
20 dead in Paris hotel blaze
At least 20 people have died and around 60 people have been injured in a fire which swept through a Paris hotel early this morning. It has been reported that ten children are among the dead and people from countries including the US, Australia, Tunisia, Portugal and Senegal are believed to be among the injured.
20 dead in Paris hotel blaze
At least 20 people have died and around 60 people have been injured in a fire which swept through a Paris hotel early this morning. It has been reported that ten children are among the dead and people from countries including the US, Australia, Tunisia, Portugal and Senegal are believed to be among the injured.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy day with outbreaks of rain, most persistent and occasionally heavy across southern and western counties this afternoon. Risk of low cloud and fog patches affecting the Down coast. Light winds. Maximum temperature 15 °C.Tonight:Continuing cloudy through the evening with further outbreaks of rain, the rain turning lighter and patchier from the south overnight. Winds remain light. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
