§ Mr. BarkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what was(a) the cost of establishing, (b) the running costs since it was established and (c) the costs this year of the South East England Regional Assembly. [17341]
§ Dr. WhiteheadThe South East England Regional Assembly (SEERA) has been established region—Highland voluntarily by bodies representing the interests of the south-east region. Their expenditure and start-up costs are a matter for the assembly and its members. The Government have however, allocated £500,000 this year to SEERA to help the assembly to establish a stronger strategic and scrutiny role within the region. The Government office for the south- east will be monitoring that part of SEERA's expenditure which relates to the £500,000 grant.
§ Mr. BarkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many people have been employed by the South East England Regional Assembly(a) this year and (b) in each year since it was established. [17342]
§ Dr. WhiteheadThese are matters for the South East England Regional Assembly.