HC Deb 11 February 1999 vol 325 c310W
Mr. Hawkins

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many RDA board members have worked in business. [70545]

Mr. Meale

The Chairman of each of the Regional Development Agencies has a predominantly business background. In addition to the chairmen, 48 board members currently work in business. A number of the other board members have previously worked in business.

Mr. Hawkins

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many RDA board members are trades union officials. [70543]

Mr. Meale

One member of each of the eight Regional Development Agency boards is a trade union official.

Mr. Hawkins

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much RDA board members are to be paid per annum. [70624]

Mr. Meale

The pay for RDA members (other than the Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen) is £7,000 per year for a commitment of two days a month.

Mr. Hawkins

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many RDA board members are members of the(a) Liberal Democrat, (b) Conservative and (c) Labour parties. [70544]

Mr. Meale

Among the local councillors who are members of the boards of the Regional Development Agencies, 6 are members of the Liberal Democrat party, 4 are members of the Conservative party, 21 are members of the Labour party and one is an Independent. Other board members are not required to declare whether they are members of any political party.

Mr. Hawkins

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will give the(a) remuneration paid to and (b) the number of days per week required of RDA chairmen. [70623]

Mr. Meale

The pay for RDA Chairmen is £44,000 per year for a commitment of two days a week. For Deputy Chairmen it is £14,000 per year for a commitment of one day a week.

Mr. Hawkins

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what methods he used to ensure that there was appropriate party political balance in the membership of each RDA board. [70546]

Mr. Meale

All appointments to the RDA Boards were based on merit. We considered party political balance only in relation to the four local councillors appointed to each board. We had in mind the number of council seats held by each political party, and the proportion of votes cast for each political party across the whole of the region; but also sought to reflect other factors such as geographical spread and other relevant background experience.