§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the business organisations in the West Midlands with which she makes it her policy to consult on matters of relevance to the business sector. [79490]
§ Alan JohnsonMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry meets with the chairmen of regional development agencies regularly and consults them on matters of interest to them and businesses in their regions. RDAs (which are business led and have 50 per cent. of members with a business background) have widespread links with businesses in each region and are well placed to reflect the business view.
In addition, the Department of Trade and Industry consults widely on specific issues, most recently on the review of its structure and currently on the Review of Business Support. Organisations consulted—and invited to progress meetings (the West Midlands as in other regions) include the CBI, engineering, Employers Federation, RDA, Business Links, Cambers of Commerce, Learning and Skills Councils, local authorities, universities, local enterprise agencies, trade associations, research and technology organisations and other business support bodies.