§ Mr. SproatTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what visits he has made to his EC counterparts in each member state to discuss deregulation matters since 18 April; what agreements came out of such meetings; and what plans he has for making further progress in deregulation matters during the United Kingdom's presidency of the EC.
§ Mr. ScottNo such meetings have taken place. We have no plans to initiate special action in this area during the presidency. We will, however, continue to resist any EC initiatives affecting the Department which would impose undue burdens on business.