§ Mr. WatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what extra financing has been secured for regional development agencies to create positive job creation in the manufacturing sector. [69076]
§ Alan JohnsonRDA funding will increase from £1.24 billion in 2000–01 to £1.80 billion in 2003–04. Alongside this, the Government has given the RDAs financial flexibility to pursue their regional priorities. From 1 April this year, the RDAs are getting their funding from Government as a single funding stream which they can use as they judge best in order to meet a set of agreed targets. Under this general framework there is also a modest component of extra funding specifically designated for manufacturing to match fund RDAs' Regional Centres for Manufacturing Excellence (delivering the Manufacturing Advisory Service) but their role is not specifically one of job creation. However, one of the underpinning objectives of the single pot is to increase competitiveness and therefore employment, including in the manufacturing sector. The RDAs are working closely with Government to put in place strategies at the national and regional levels which will encourage the development of a strong and forward-looking manufacturing sector.