HC Deb 13 May 1996 vol 277 cc630-1
22. Mr. Flynn

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the effects of deregulation on public safety. [27687]

Mr. Freeman

When making orders under the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994, Ministers are required to show that necessary protection for public safety will be maintained. Deregulation is about making legislation clear and less burdensome—not about removing legitimate public protection.

Mr. Flynn

In the light of the continuing tragedy of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, why do not the Government stop blaming everyone else—from the Opposition to other countries—when the root of this uniquely British disease stems from a decision taken in the 1980s to deregulate the rendering industry? When will the Government learn that the decisions that they are taking on deregulation might cause enormous problems to public safety in the years ahead?

Mr. Freeman

I do not accept the analysis by the hon. Gentleman. If he wishes to pursue this line of questioning about the connection between deregulation and the origin of BSE, I shall be delighted to enter into correspondence with him. He is factually incorrect. I refer to assessing the risk to society as a result of introducing new regulations and repealing existing regulations. The Government have recently published a document—I have placed a copy in the Library—to help Departments determine the risk inherent in any repeal of legislation. It details how Departments can quantify risk and the benefit to society of legislating and of repealing legislation.