§ Mrs. Anne CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will designate the remaining regional chambers. [92872]
§ Mr. CabornI am pleased to announce that we have today issued
a direction to the South East of England Regional Development Agency designating the South East of England Regional Assembly as its regional chamber;a direction to the East of England Development Agency designating the East of England Regional Assembly as its regional chamber; anda direction to the South West of England Regional Development Agency designating the South West Regional Chamber as its regional chamber.Section 8 of the Regional Development Agencies Act 1998 provides that if the Secretary of State is of the opinion that there is a body which is representative of those in the RDAs area with an interest in its work, and that body is suitable to be given the role of regional chamber for the RDA, he may designate it.
RDAs must take full account of regional interests. Regional chambers will provide a mechanism through which RDAs can take account of regional views and account for their activities. Ministers expect that each RDA will have regard to the chamber's view in preparing its strategy, consult the chamber on its corporate plan and give an account of its performance to the chamber.
I am currently considering an application for designation from the remaining region and hope to make an announcement shortly.