§ Mr. Peter BradleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how and when he will consult rural communities and their representative bodies in accordance with section 2(3) of the Regional Development Agencies Act 1998 before appointing members to the RDA boards. [63092]
§ Mr. CabornThe Government started the appointments process while the legislation was before Parliament, in order to be in a position to take decision on appointments to the RDA boards soon after the commencement of the Regional Development Agencies Act 1998.
Earlier this year we advertised in the national press for applications direct from individuals and also consulted a wide range of bodies asking them to nominate people whom they thought were suitable for board membership. These groups included many who represent the interests of rural communities.