To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 20 July 2009, Official Report, column 1124W, on the North West Development Agency: Public appointments, when the decision to appoint a new chair of the North West Development Agency was taken. (290375)

The decision to appoint Robert Hough as the chair of the North West Development Agency was made on 29 June. It was announced in Parliament on 9 July.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 20 July 2009, Official Report, column 1124W, on the North West Development Agency: public appointments, when he expects the new chair of the North West Development Agency to take up the appointment. (290378)

Robert Hough took up the position as chair of the North West Regional Development Agency on 17 August.