HC Deb 02 December 1993 vol 233 c734W
Mr. Spearing

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list those topics he has so far identified where he believes current statutory Acts or regulations inhibit the operation of economic activity of benefit to the local community or nation stating in each case the relevant instrument, its date of introduction, or its predecessors, when it first came into effect and its general purpose.

Mr. Neil Hamilton

As part of the deregulation initiative, Government Departments are currently reviewing all legislation which impacts on business, considering whether the legislation remains necessary and, if so, whether it achieves its objective in a way which is proportionate and imposes the minimum burden on business. The reviews are scheduled to be completed by April 1994. In addition the Government have appointed eight task forces from business and the voluntary sector to make recommendations on priorities for amendment or repeal. These recommendations will be published in due course. The Deregulation Bill announced in the Gracious Speech will address changes which require primary legislation. Its contents will be published in the usual way when the Bill is introduced.