HC Deb 06 July 2000 vol 353 c269W
24. Mr. Loughton

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the educational responsibilities of the regional development agencies. [127945]

Mr. Wills

The Government set up Regional Development Agencies to improve the economies of the English regions. They have a broad statutory responsibility to enhance the development and application of skills in their area. In addition to producing a Regional Economic Strategy, one of their key tasks is to develop with their partners a plan containing actions to improve the regional skills base.