HC Deb 31 October 2001 vol 373 c677W
Mr. Fallon

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what changes in expenditure by the South East England Regional Assembly on(a) regional intelligence, (b) communications and (c) publications there have been for the 2001–02 financial year. [10777]

Dr. Whitehead

These are matters for the South East England Regional Assembly.

Mr. Fallon

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps he is taking to control expenditure by the South East England Regional Assembly. [10775]

Dr. Whitehead

The South East England Regional Assembly has been established voluntarily by bodies representing the interests of the south-east region. Their expenditure is a matter for the chamber 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.