Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Oral Answers to Questions

Emma Reynolds Excerpts
Thursday 3rd June 2010

(13 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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The Secretary of State was asked—
Emma Reynolds Portrait Emma Reynolds (Wolverhampton North East) (Lab)
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1. What plans he has for the future of regional development agencies; and if he will make a statement.

Alison McGovern Portrait Alison McGovern (Wirral South) (Lab)
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9. What plans he has for future support for businesses in Merseyside and the north-west; and if he will make a statement.

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Vince Cable Portrait The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (Vince Cable)
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The Government intend to replace RDAs with local enterprise partnerships and to bring together business and local authorities to establish local accountability. Where they enjoy clear public support, the partnerships may take a similar form to existing RDAs. In making the necessary reductions in RDA budgets and reviewing their functions, we will seek to mitigate the impact on economically vulnerable parts of the country.

Emma Reynolds Portrait Emma Reynolds
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I thank the Secretary of State for his answer, and congratulate him and his team on their new positions. I wish them well.

Advantage West Midlands brings an economic benefit to the regional economy of over £7 for every £1 spent. Does the Secretary of State understand that the cuts that his Government have announced will put jobs at risk in my constituency and critical projects such as the i54 business park?