§ 10. Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the progress made towards setting up the boards of the new regional development agencies. [43235]
§ Angela EagleWe are currently considering applications for chairmen or chairwomen, and board members of Regional Development Agencies. We cannot formally make appointments to boards until the Regional Development Agencies Bill has received Royal Assent but hope to identify the prospective chairs as advisers before then to help with the preparation for the RDAs.
§ 20. Maria EagleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will site the north-west regional development agency office in Liverpool. [43246]
§ Angela EagleDecisions about the locations of Regional Development Agency offices will be for the RDAs. They will need to take account of all relevant factors, including the requirement on non-departmental public bodies to secure best value for money.
§ Mr. Ian BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if there will be a net increase in resources going to the South West Region after the setting up of the Regional Development Agency. [43243]
§ Angela EagleIt is too early to say what resources the South West will receive once the Regional Development Agencies are up and running next April. Plans for expenditure in 1999–2000 will depend on the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review. However, RDAs will provide a more cohesive approach, which will lead to more effective use of the available funding.