§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what will be the terms of reference for the scrutiny into the way in which EC regulations impact upon business.
§ Mr. HeseltineThe terms of reference are as follows:
- To investigate the formulation, implementation and enforcement of EC law with the aim of securing legislation which is necessary and proportionate and;
- —minimises the burdens on British business and sustains its international competitiveness; and
- mdash;is least intrusive in the lives of British citizens.
- Specific areas to be addressed will include:
- —whether the burden for business is kept to the minimum necessary to comply with EC requirements;
- —the difficulties in interpreting EC law;
- —the timing and content of implementing legislation;
- —whether the views of business are properly taken into account;
- —whether the views of United Kingdom enforcement agencies are taken into account;
- —whether Ministers are kept fully aware of implementation and enforcement issues; and
- —the proportionally of enforcement practice.
- These issues will be examined in the context of at least the following case studies:
- —Meat hygiene (as implemented by the 1990 Food Safety Act)
- —Health and Safety (Framework and Subordinate directives)
- —Personal Protective Equipment directive.
The scrutiny will recommend improvements procedures to be followed in negotiating EC law, in implementing EC legislation in United Kingdom law, and in enforcing the United Kingdom law.
The scrutiny will report to Ministers within the 90 working days which are allowed under efficiency scrutiny guidelines.
I will be the supervising Minister for the scrutiny. The scrutiny team will be advised by a steering group which will include private sector members.