HC Deb 24 October 2002 vol 391 cc443-4W
Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the resources, role and responsibilities of regional development agencies in respect of tourism. [74870]

Dr. Howells

An announcement about the Regional Development Agencies' tourism responsibilities will be made to the House shortly. The RDAs have a vital role to play in the delivery of our programme of strategic reform of the tourism industry in England. They are being given new responsibilities and resources and it is dormant or closed, and indicating whether they are live, dormant or closed; what the start up costs were for each site listed; what the operating costs were in each year since start up for each site; which company hosted each site; what assessment takes place for each site; which company does the assessment; if she will place the assessment reports in the Library; and if she will make a statement. [75588]

Dr. Howells

The information is as follows

important that they achieve a balance between meeting regional priorities and achieving national coordination and consistency, where appropriate.