HC Deb 30 January 1996 vol 270 cc699-700W
Mr. Steen

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the deregulation task force's priority areas for 1996; and what action has arisen as a result of priority area status. [12262]

Mr. Freeman

The priority areas for work in 1995–96 identified by the deregulation task force in its first annual report are: the labour market; planning; building regulations; financial services; the health sector; and longer-term issues, such as risk pricing and reviewing legislation. The task force is also following up areas covered in its 1994–95 report, such as taxation and national insurance, and health and safety.

The task force has been holding meetings with Ministers and officials from the relevant Government Departments. It expects to make recommendations on these areas in its next annual report.