§ Lord Dykesasked Her Majesty's Government:
What measures concerning services, commerce and other economic activities they will propose in order to achieve their aim of "completing the single market", as set out in paragraph 27 of the White Paper Prospects for the EU in 2005 (Cmnd 6450). [HL1310]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanExtending the benefits of the single market to more UK business and consumers is a government priority. We will be working in partnership with Mr Barroso's commission, which is committed to a reform agenda that focuses on "stronger, lasting growth and … more and better jobs" (Commission Spring Report, launched on 2 February www.europa.eu.int/growthandjobs). In collaboration with our European Union partners, the Government would like to see further widening and deepening of the single market, through full implementation of existing liberalisation measures, as well as new initiatives such as the directive on services. The Government will also press for more regulatory reform to lift unnecessary burdens on business and a proactive competition policy that increases market access, while reducing distortive state aids.