§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what further plans he has to support economic regeneration in regions dependent on declining traditional industries. [36982]
§ Alan JohnsonI have been asked to reply.
The Department is responsible for the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) in England. They have established regional economic strategies which consider, among other issues, the role of traditional industries and the measures which can be taken to modernise these and to broaden the region's economic base. In doing this, the RDAs work closely with sector directorates in my Department and in others with an interest and with the Small Business Service and Invest.UK. The total RDA budget is increasing from £1.3 billion in this financial year to £1.7 billion in 2003–04, and they are being given greater freedom in deploying this money.
In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the matters covered by the RDAs are the responsibility of the devolved Administrations.