§ Mr. DobbinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to issue guidance on future funding criteria for Regional Development Agencies; and if he will make a statement. [100519]
§ Ms Beverley HughesThere are no plans to issue any such guidance. The funding arrangement is for the Public Expenditure Settlement, which covers a three-year period, to determine the overall provision for each RDA, taking 205W account of their corporate plan. In making yearly allocations under the Settlement, the Government take account of any criteria relating to a particular programme and the RDAs current corporate plan, including matters such as the agency's effectiveness in carrying out its responsibilities.