§ Mr. Gordon MarsdenTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has for meetings with the Regional Development Agencies in England to discuss their involvement with the implementation of measures contained in his pre-Budget statement. [141844]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithTreasury Ministers have met the Regional Development Agencies on regular occasions in the past to discuss a wide range of issues affecting them and we look forward to further meeting with them in the future.
251WOn the measures we announced in the PBR, RDAs have been fully consulted at every stage. For example, my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury attended the Joint meeting of Chairmen and Ministers in October. Further consultation is continuing with them on the implementation of these measures.