§ 23. Bob Spink (Castle Point) (Con)What action he is taking to reduce the burden of regulation on business. [145859]
§ The Minister for the Cabinet Office and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. Douglas Alexander)The Government's updated regulatory reform action plan 159 announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his pre-Budget report has over 650 deregulatory measures to benefit business, charities and the public services. Over 240 of those reforms have been delivered by Government Departments since the original version of the action plan was published in 2002.
§ Bob SpinkSince much of the regulation originates from Europe and this regulation causes massive unemployment, particularly hidden unemployment, is it 160 not time we looked again at our various agreements and opt-outs with the European Community and, for example, withdrew from the common agricultural policy and the common fisheries policy?
§ Mr. AlexanderThe UK has been leading the drive for better regulation in Europe. That is why I recently met the Spanish public administration Minister to press the case for further initiatives. It is fair to say that international observers recognise that Britain has played a leading role on the issue of better regulation, not just in the European Union but around the world.