§ Mr. WoodwardTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what(a) financial investment and (b) other assistance the North-west Regional Development Agency has put into St. Helens in each of the last three years. [14718]
§ Alan JohnsonThe North-west Development Agency has invested in a range of projects in St. Helens during the last three years. Expenditure breaks down as follows:
Year £million 1998–99 7.2 1999–2000 7.3 2000–01 8.9 Total investment during the current financial year is expected to be approximately £7.1 million. The agency also works closely with St. Helens metropolitan borough council and other partners to provide advice and guidance on economic development and regeneration issues.