§ Matthew GreenTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what Government funding each regional chamber has been granted in each financial year since 2000–01. [98483]
§ Mr. RaynsfordNo funding was given in 2000–01. The Government announced in March 2001 that it would make £15 million available over the following three years for Regional Chambers funding. In 2001–02, each of the eight Regional Chambers was given a budget of £500,000 to draw down, to enable them to fulfil their role scrutinising Regional Development Agencies and for other regional co-ordination and strategic development work. A further £1 million was assigned to the English Regions Network, the umbrella organisation for the Chambers, to fund projects of general interest. In 2002–03, the amount available to each Chamber was increased to £600,000 with the ERN allocation reduced accordingly. This will be repeated in 2003–04. The grant to the Chambers and to ERN is made on the basis of an agreed business plan.