HC Deb 10 June 2004 vol 422 cc559-60W
Mr. Flight

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether regional development agencies have contributed(a) funds and (b) resources to centres of vocational excellence. [176901]

Mr. Ivan Lewis

I have been asked to reply.

The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is responsible for funding and resourcing the development of CoVEs.

However, Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) view CoVEs as strategic partners and may choose to provide complementary funding and resources to maximise their impact. This enables RDA funding to be targeted where further investment will enable the CoVE to meet anticipated skills needs.

A number of RDAs have already contributed to CoVE development in their region including the South East Development Agency, Yorkshire Forward, the South West Regional Development Agency, Advantage West Midlands and the North West Development Agency.