HC Deb 26 January 2004 vol 417 cc167-8W
Mr. Jenkin

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what steps he has taken since 1997 to close economic disparities between the English regions. [149692]

Mr. Raynsford

The Government have pursued an active regional policy since 1997 bySetting up the Regional Development Agencies to promote economic development and regeneration in the regions and supporting their work with £1.8 billion (for 2003–04) in annual funding; Facilitating the establishment of voluntary regional chambers/assemblies, and developing the role of Government Offices; Announcing proposals for directly elected regional assemblies in those regions that wish to have them which will assist in improving regional economic performance; Putting in place a stable macroeconomic framework to provide an essential basis for economic growth both nationally and regionally; Agreeing a PSA target to make sustainable improvements in the economic performance of all English regions and to reduce the persistent gap in growth rates between the regions; Commissioning Sir Michael Lyons to make recommendations on the relocation of-civil service and other public sector posts to the English regions.