HC Deb 22 January 1996 vol 270 cc101-2W
Mr. Steen

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what new systems he has put in place to ensure that European directives are not gold plated in domestic regulations. [10063]

Mr. Hague

My Department's policy is not to gold-plate EC directives by the addition of unnecessary burdens when implementing them in the United Kingdom. We keep existing legislation under review in the light of this policy. Official guidance on gold plating is currently being reviewed in consultation with other Government Departments.

Mr. Steen

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will place in the Library copies of the guidance notes, office notes and other relevant documents which relate to his efforts in(a) removing gold plating from existing domestic regulation and (b) ensuring new European directives are not gold plated. [10057]

Mr. Hague

I shall arrange for a copy of the current guidance on deregulation to Welsh Office staff to be placed in the Library of the House as soon as possible. This guidance is already subject to review and will be affected by the outcome of the official review of guidance on gold plating.