§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what arrangements his Department has to assess the effect of proposals for regulations on small farming and fishing enterprises prior to implementation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CurryThe Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food participates fully in the Government's deregulation initiative to ensure that the regulatory burden on the agriculture and fishing industries is kept under constant review and minimised wherever possible.
This process includes consultation at an early stage with industry, on both United Kingdom and European Community regulatory proposals through the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food's close working relationships with trade associations and other groups. A cost compliance assessment which evaluates the effect all legislative proposals will have on industry is also prepared prior to implementation.