CBI Calls For Greater National Scrutiny Of EU Lawmakers

by Robin Pilgrim, LawAndTax-News.com, London

23 August 2004

In a paper released by the Europe Committee of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) on Friday, CBI director-general, Digby Jones has called for greater national scrutiny of European lawmakers, especially with regard to legislation which will affect British businesses.

Praising the leader of the House of Commons, Peter Hain for making increased scrutiny of the EC lawmaking process a top priority for the select committee inquiry on modernising the House, Mr Jones nevertheless observed that:

"When it comes to EU legislation, UK MPs have been asleep on the job. That is not acceptable for our country since more than half the laws affecting UK companies, and the jobs of millions, come from the European Commission."

He went on to add that:

"The government has acknowledged the issue and put constructive proposals on the table but these do not go far enough. We need a more proactive approach from our parliament that tries to influence the initiatives at an early stage, not when it's too late to make an impact," and concluded:

"Westminster never seems tuned into what Brussels or Whitehall are doing. We have the most successful economy in Europe. We do not want it damaged by regulations from Brussels that belong to a bygone era. MPs have a duty to respond. Our continued success in a globalised economy depends on it."

Proposals put forward by the CBI's Europe Committee in its paper include the creation of opportunities for interest groups to make timely representations on EU legislation to MPs, the implementation of an 'early-warning system' to allow MPs and interest groups to react quickly to EC proposals, and the discussion of measures to improve communications between MPs and MEPs.

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