To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how much funding (a) his Department and its predecessors and (b) regional development agencies have given to support the regional union network. (311474)

This Department does not provide funding directly in support of the regional union network.

Regional Development Agencies (RDA) fund initiatives through a variety of third party organisations to deliver projects to increase economic growth, such as on workforce development and economic inclusion. The specific focus and priorities of such activities are set out in each region's Regional Economic Strategy and will differ according to the needs, opportunities and priorities for economic growth in each region.

The following table shows RDA funding to trade unions for 2003-09. The RDAs retain records of the last six years. To provide records before this period will incur disproportionate costs.