Regional Development Agencies

HC Deb 18 December 1997 vol 303 cc303-4W

18. Mrs. Ellman

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps she is taking to ensure that her Department's responsibilities are co-ordinated with the proposed regional development agencies. [19886]

Mr. Ian McCartney

As set out in the White Paper "Building Partnerships for Prosperity"—which has received a warm welcome since it was published at the beginning of the month—regional development agencies will work very closely with my Department on a wide range of activities. Last week, the Government presented to the House a Bill for establishing these agencies. My Department is now working on detailed arrangements for ensuring that these agencies are up and running on 1 April 1999, supporting and enhancing DTI work in ways which meet regional needs.