Commons warned of deregulation fear
MEASURES which protect consumers and workers should be strengthened rather than scrapped under the Government's Deregulation Bill, a senior environmental health officer (EHO) warned last week.
David Statham, chairman of the Institution of Environmental Health Officers' food and general health committee, told a House of Commons seminar "one man's burden is another man's blessing".
Mr Statham argued restrictive regulations should be scrapped only if their removal did not lead to increased risk to public health, more accidents at work or greater damage to the environment. He said that while even the most ardent enforcer would agree with the need to remove outdated and ineffectual legislation, "the removal of important protection for the most vulnerable is immoral. Where that line is drawn requires the wisdom of Solomon".
Mr Statham was addressing caterers, suppliers and MPs at a seminar entitled Deregulation in the Foodservice Industry, organised by the Catering Industries Liaison Council.
He criticised the Government for putting together deregulation task forces which included no consumer or union representation other than the National Farmers Union.
Mr Statham called on the Government to ensure any amendments to regulations were consistent and enforceable. He cited the temperature control regulations as an example of rules which "lead everyone to cry ‘the law is an ass' and set those who have invested thousands in trying to comply against those who have invested thousands in trying not to comply".
