§ Mr. LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the future role is of the Government Offices for the Regions; and what(a) are their proposed budgets and (b) were their budgets in each of the last five years. [130437]
§ Ms Beverley HughesFollowing the publication of the PIU Report "Reaching Out" we are developing the role of Government Offices (GOs) to ensure strengthened co-ordination of policy initiatives with a regional and local impact. The GOs are being given the lead role in bringing together other Departments' and Agencies' involvement at the local level, ensuring activities are complementary. All Departments whose responsibilities affect regional or local activities are committed to better co-ordination of key policies by involving Government Offices.
On the issue of proposed budgets and budgets in each of the last five years, I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 12 July 2000, Official Report, columns 557–59W.