HC Deb 19 May 1993 vol 225 c240
20. Sir Thomas Arnold

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a further statement about the work of the deregulation unit.

Mr. Neil Hamilton

Departments are conducting a comprehensive review of all their regulations. Seven business task forces are also undertaking a comprehensive review of all the regulations that affect those industrial sectors. We are also urging the European Community to consult business and consider the burden that its proposals might impose on it. At the local level, there are nine partnerships between local authorities and business in local areas. Local authorities and business are trying to learn from their experience of working with one another.

Sir Thomas Arnold

Will my hon. Friend encourage the civil service unions to be less defensive about the proposals and remind them that public service efficiency will be enhanced by the work of the unit?

Mr. Hamilton

I agree with my hon. Friend. There will ultimately be gains for the Government, and hence for the taxpayer, from the deregulation initiative. It can be in nobody's interest to have red tape entangling them. Nor is it in anyone's interest to have taxpayers' money wasted on unnecessary rules and regulations.