§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Trade what is his estimate of the number of EEC regulations now applicable in areas of British life for which his Department has responsibility.
§ Mr. DeakinsI estimate that the total number of EEC regulations affecting the trade field, other than those which are the responsibility of the Minister of Agriculture, is of the order of 400. This total covers regulations adopted both before and after we joined the Community. Although in legal terms all apply to this country, a substantial number of the former and some of the latter are directed specifically at other member States and have no practical effect on British trade.