To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what functions regional development agencies have to promote economic competition between regions; and if he will make a statement. (248525)

[holding answer 19 January 2009]: Regional development agencies have the primary purpose of furthering economic development and regeneration in their areas. Ministers have made it clear to RDAs that in rebalancing national and regional efforts, they expect RDAs to avoid duplication and competition among themselves.

There has been, at times, perceived competition for example on Inward Investment projects. However, the UK economy is the winner from such investments in whatever region of the UK that brings investment and new jobs as well as safeguarding existing jobs.