HC Deb 01 April 1998 vol 309 cc590-1W
26. Mr. Casale

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what representations he has received from his European counterparts on the reform of the regulatory process. [35828]

Dr. David Clark

When I took the UK seat at the Cambridge informal meeting of Internal Market Ministers on 13 February, many EU Ministers present spoke enthusiastically in favour of regulatory reform at European level. As a result of this support, I hope to see the launch under the UK Presidency of a pilot European Business Test Panel. The purpose of the panel will be to help regulators understand better the impact of new rules on business by consulting firms of all sizes on legislative proposals in advance of their becoming law. The UK will be a leading player in this pilot.