Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, with reference to the Business Taskforce's publication Cut EU Red Tape, published in October 2013, what steps have been taken to reduce the barriers to innovation.

The Government continues to attach high priority to the reduction of unnecessary EU burdens on business, including barriers to overall competitiveness; starting a company and employing people; expanding a business; trading across borders; and innovation, as set out in the Business Taskforce report.

A report will be published later this month, outlining the progress that has been made in delivering the Taskforce recommendations.