§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many rules and regulations he repealed in the first three months of 1995; and how many new rules and regulations were introduced in that period by way of statutory instruments, motions or orders. [19377]
§ Mr. Jack[holding answer 18 April 1995]: In the first three months of 1995, one statutory instrument was partially revoked by Order. A total of 51 other statutory instruments were introduced but the majority of these were to carry forward amendments to existing instruments rather than to add to regulation or impose new burdens. For example, some 16 statutory instruments concerned voluntary schemes and rates of grant aid to farmers, notably orders amending rates of payment in designated environmentally sensitive areas. Six replaced earlier instruments or substituted more favourable regimes for industry. Five statutory instruments extended plant breeders' rights to cover additional plant varieties. Of the remaining measures, 13 implemented EU obligations; three updated frees and charges; and the remaining eight included measures to protect public health and animal welfare, to establish the Milk Development Council, and to make certain technical and procedural changes to existing legislation.