§ Mr. HammondTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to the answer of 4 December 2003,Official Report, column 168W, on Learning and Skills Councils, if she will discuss with the Deputy Prime Minister contacts which have taken place between officials of her Office and the North West Regional Development Agency concerning that RDA's aspirations to assume control of the responsibilities and funding of Learning and Skills Councils in that region. [143455]
§ Jacqui SmithThe North West Development Agency has assured the Learning and Skills Council that it is not looking to usurp its role, and my answer of 4 December makes the Government's position clear. The Deputy Prime Minister is aware of the situation.