§ Mr. FlookTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when each of the regional development agencies will begin to process applications for the Millennium Workspace Initiative grant; how much will be available under each regional development agency area; how long the grant will be available; and whether the Department will set the terms needed to receive the grant. [115788]
§ Alan JohnsonThe concept of Millennium Workspace is specific to the South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWRDA). It builds on a number of previous initiatives including the Partnership Workspace Programme administered by the Rural Development Commission, before that body was wound up and many of its responsibilities taken over by the RDAs on their creation in 1999. To assist Millennium Workspace applicants, the SWRDA will shortly be issuing broad guidance for applications for funding under the Single Programme. The criteria in the guidance will be asking for regionally significant projects that will have a net impact on the regions economy.
Further information about the Millennium Workspace can be obtained from the South West of England Regional Development Agency www.southwestrda.org.uk.