HC Deb 04 March 1998 vol 307 cc1043-4
5. Dr. Starkey

What discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on (a) simplifying EU rules and (b) reducing bureaucratic requirements imposed by the EU during the UK presidency. [30868]

Mr. Kilfoyle

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, last month attended the informal meeting of internal market Ministers in Cambridge for discussions on better European Union regulation. It was agreed to establish, before the end of the UK presidency, pilot test panels of businesses in some member states to comment on EU legislative proposals. It was also agreed to have regular exchanges of information on our national simplification initiatives and to give renewed impetus to Commission work to cut EU red tape for business.

Dr. Starkey

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. He may be aware that in my constituency of Milton Keynes a large number of small businesses have been active in expanding their level of exports to the European Union. Excessive regulations bear particularly heavily on small businesses. Can the Minister say whether any actions are being taken specifically in the interests of small businesses?

Mr. Kilfoyle

Small businesses suffer disproportionately from too much bureaucratic red tape. Within the SLIM initiative—simplification of legislation within the internal market—moves are afoot, which we support within the Commission, to minimise the effect of over-regulation on small businesses within the European Union and the single market.

Mr. Hogg

Is it not true that complexity and bureaucracy are the inevitable hallmarks of EU legislation, and that, if we are to achieve the objectives of the hon. Member for Milton Keynes, South-West (Dr. Starkey), we need to reduce the scope and probably the competence of the EU?

Mr. Kilfoyle

I disagree with the right hon. and learned Gentleman. My right hon. Friend has already flagged up three areas and we will continue to pursue them throughout the presidency. First, we must raise the profile of the problem of burdensome regulation. Secondly, we must look at those areas within existing legislation that can be simplified. Thirdly, we must ensure that in future a minimal amount of regulation is imposed on business within member states. All those initiatives are being promoted and pursued now under the UK presidency.