§ Mr. WatersonTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the recent division of regional responsibilities between different Departments. [1473]
§ The Prime MinisterI am replying to this question as it relates to ministerial responsibilities.
My right hon. friend the Deputy Prime Minister is leading the preparation of a White Paper on elected regional government in England, working in close liaison with the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions and in co-operation with other Cabinet colleagues. The Deputy Prime Minister is also responsible for the Regional Co-ordination Unit and has overall responsibility for the Government Office network.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions is responsible for regional policy as a whole and for implementation of the proposals to be included in the White paper.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry is responsible for the Regional Development Agencies.