To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what discussions he has had with regional development agencies on setting regional targets and priorities for skills. (141247)

RDA chairs meet Government Ministers, including DfES Ministers, regularly to discuss a range of RDA business including their role in skills.

RDA business priorities, including skills, are set out in the RDA Tasking Framework introduced in April 2005. Each RDA has agreed output targets for skills which include:

(a) the number of people assisted in their skills development as a result of RDA programmes;

(b) the number of adults gaining basic skills as part of the Skills for Life Strategy that count towards the Skills PSA Target;

(c) the number of adults in the workforce who lack a full level 2 or equivalent qualification who are supported in achieving at least a full level 2 qualification or equivalent.

As key members of Regional Skills Partnerships, RDAs have a central role in determining regional priorities on skills and report every six months on progress to DfES Ministers.