HC Deb 06 July 1999 vol 334 cc449-50W
Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what consultation took place prior to the appointment of the membership of the North West Development Agency. [88749]

Mr. Meale

Candidates for the Boards of the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) were sought from as wide a field as possible. Three main approaches were taken to identify candidates: RDAs were included alongside other Non Departmental Public Bodies in a general advertisement for Board Members; the databases of the Public Appointments Unit, DETR and other government departments were searched for suitable candidates; and a large number of regional and national stakeholders were invited to offer nominations.

I have placed in the Library a list showing the regional stakeholders who were invited to nominate members for the North West Development Agency.

Candidates encouraged to apply by stakeholders were considered alongside applicants from other sources. Information on which stakeholder, if any, nominated those appointed to the Boards was not recorded separately.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the financial implications for the Exchequer are arising out of the movement from Mercury Court of the North West Development Agency's premises in Liverpool. [88761]

Mr. Meale

Decisions on location are a matter for the North West Development Agency. The movement of some staff from Mercury Court to alternative premises, including area offices, is still being negotiated. However, any net increase in cost which may arise will be contained within the Agency's overall budget. There will therefore be no direct financial implications for the Exchequer.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what consultation took place and with which organisations and individuals prior to the North West Development Agency's decision to close the Cockermouth Office of English Partnerships. [88750]

Mr. Meale

Decisions on location are a matter for the North West Development Agency. I understand that, in deciding in principle to locate its Area office in Penrith, the Agency took account of a range of factors.

The Board reached a decision to locate the Area Office and Headquarters on the M6/West Coast Main Line (in respect of Cumbria and Lancashire); at the interchange of the M6/M62 and West Coast Main Line (Warrington Headquarters and Cheshire Area office) and on the M62/East West Rail Line (Liverpool and Manchester). The Penrith decision flowed from the application of these criteria-particularly the need to have public transport access via rail. There was no general consultation on this specific decision.