§ 19. Mrs. SpelmanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the representation of rural interests on the boards of the regional development agencies. [24906]
§ Mr. CabornOur White Paper "Building Partnerships for Prosperity" made clear that outside of London each RDA Board will include at least one member who can contribute a strong rural perspective.
§ 20. Mrs. EllmanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what role he plans for regional chambers in the development of regional policy and regional economic development. [24907]
§ Mr. CabornRegional chambers will be a mechanism through which RDAs can take account of regional views and account for their activities. Each RDA will have regard to the chamber's views in preparing its economic626W strategy, will consult the chamber on its corporate plan and will give an account of its performance to the regional chamber.