To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether his Department plans to monitor the (a) effects and (b) costs of the duties upon directors in the Companies Act 2006 in relation to social and environmental issues. (127274)

[holding answer 14 March 2007]: The Government will review the impacts of the Companies Act 2006 on duties of directors, including the references to social and environmental issues, as part of its review of the overall benefits and costs of the Companies Act 2006. This review will form part of the normal regulatory assessment process, consistent with better regulation principles. The review will involve close engagement with stakeholders who have an interest in the effects of the Act.