HC Deb 16 March 2000 vol 346 cc335-6W
Mr. Loughton

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many meetings he has had with officials of the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union since May 1997. [115024]

Ms Beverley Hughes

At present there are approximately 5,000 projects administered by the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs). Collating and publishing this information could be completed only at disproportionate cost.

The budget for expenditure on projects by RDAs during 1999–2000—including the Partnership Investment Programme—is £837 million.

Mr. Loughton

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what has been the cost of each of the regional development agencies in each of the years since their inception; and what is projected for future years as to(a) administration and running costs and (b) project funding costs. [115014]

Ms Beverley Hughes

The Regional Development Agencies assumed their full responsibilities in April 1999. Information for 1999-2000 and the remainder of the current Comprehensive Spending Review period is shown in the table.

Mr. Hill

Ministers have extensive dealings with organisations in both the Public and Private Sectors as part of their official duties.

It would be impracticable to maintain a central record of such meetings.