§ 19. Mr. PikeTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what are his main targets for deregulation during the lifetime of the Parliament. [11133]
§ Mr. FreemanWe will continue our successful programme of measures which, among other achievements, has already repealed or amended 1,000 regulations; set us on course to reduce the burden of paperwork by 26 per cent. by the year 2000; and introduced new business rights in enforcement actions.
§ 22. Mr. SteenTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what further deregulatory measures he plans during the next three months, in respect of UK legislation and EU regulations. [11136]
§ Mr. FreemanAmong many planned measures, we are consulting on an increase in the audit threshold from £90,000 to £350,000. We will also be bringing forward further orders under the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994, including an extension of the new business-friendly enforcement rights to building regulations, fire safety, consumer legislation and environmental health. In Europe, we will be launching a second round of the simpler legislation in the internal market—SLIM—initiative.