South East Development Agency: Chelsea Flower Show

Mrs. Spelman
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what expenditure the South East England Development Agency has undertaken in relation to the Chelsea Flower Show in each of the last three years.

Margaret Hodge
The RDA is responsible for decisions on expenditure. In 2007 South East England Development Agency spent £88,000 at Chelsea Flower Show. This expenditure included a garden in the lifelong learning section to showcase new scientific and innovative uses of plants. This was done in partnership with South East agricultural colleges and they received a gold medal for plants with industrial uses. Investment in 2006 was £10,800 which part sponsored two gardens which highlighted the importance of the horticulture sector in industry and sustainable development. They did not invest in the show in 2005.