§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to her answer of 3 April 2002,Official Report, column 1030W, on the New Deal for Market Towns, which Department the £37 million announced for market towns over three years is coming from; and what her Department's involvement is with the regional development agencies in administering this project. [56126]
§ Alun MichaelThe £37 million for the Market Towns Initiative is provided by DEFRA, with £5 million going to the Countryside Agency and £32 million going (via DTI) to the regional development agencies. It is for the agencies to manage the programme. While not having day to day involvement DEFRA takes a close interest in progress and I have discussed implementation with RDA chairs and with the Countryside Agency.