§ Mr. ForthTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will give for the review in respect of implementing plans for regional development agencies in England(a) the expected completion date and (b) the cost of conducting the review. [8256]
§ Angela EagleWe have announced that legislation will be introduced in the Autumn to establish regional development agencies in England. On 11 June we began a consultation on the functions and organisation of regional development agencies. The closing date for responses is 5 September 1997. The consultation is being managed by staff in my Department and by the Government Officers in the Regions; the costs are being met from existing budgets.