§ Mr. Stephen O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which of the regional development agencies have established a science council; and what the annual budget for 2004–05 is of each. [174696]
§ Jacqui SmithRegional Science Councils—or equivalent bodies—have been established in the North West, the North East, the South East and London. All of the RDAs have agreed to have a council in place by the end of 2004. Although subject to local variations, the Science Councils are generally tasked with exerting influence through the strategic direction of SET funding within their region, rather than holding specific budgets.