HC Deb 18 October 1993 vol 230 cc157-8W
Mr. Spearing

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the nature of the evidence he has received concerning statutory regulation of trade, manufacture, or commerce that constitutes obstruction to their success: and what is the purpose of each respective instrument currently available to him.

Mr. Neil Hamilton

A wide variety of evidence on the impact of regulation on business has been received from a number of sources in business, local authorities, pressure groups and academia. The purpose and effect of all regulatory instruments having an impact on business are currently being examined as part of the Government-wide review of all such regulation. The review aims to establish whether regulation is achieving what it was intended to and how necessary protections can be assured in a way that is least obstructive to trade and industry.