§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what funds have been allocated to regional development agencies; and how those funds will be used. [49857]
§ Alan JohnsonThe regional development agencies' budgets for 2002–03 are as follows:
Regional development agencies' budgets £000 Total1 One North East 184,738 North-west DA 273,927 Yorkshire Forward 185,920 East Midlands DA 100,947 Advantage West Midlands 191,519 East of England DA 76,057 South-east of England DA 100,130 South-west of England DA 93,540 London DA 285,396 Total 1,492,174 1Net of receipts This funding will be used to support activities in relation to the implementation of the RDAs' regional economic strategies and their statutory purposes which are within their regions to: further economic development and the regeneration of the region; promote business efficiency, investment and competitiveness; promote employment; enhance the development and application of skills; and to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development in the United Kingdom. From 1 April 2002 the RDA's have a single budget giving them maximum flexibility to meet their regional priorities, within the fiscal framework for public money, removing unnecessary ring fences and unrealistic programme silos which inhibit true integration and innovative cross cutting approaches.