Andrew Stephenson
Main Page: Andrew Stephenson (Conservative - Pendle)(13 years, 6 months ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text
Vince Cable
The hon. Gentleman is right: we need to take maximum advantage of the regional funding available from the European Union. RDAs have a residual role in that, but the process of collating our bids and making sure that we get maximum value will be led by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.
Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)
Businesses in Pendle and I are keen that the Pennine Lancashire bid, for which we have recently submitted additional information, will be approved soon. Will the Secretary of State reassure me that the remaining decisions on LEPs will be taken speedily?
Vince Cable
Yes, I can give that assurance. My colleague in the other place, Lord Greaves, has been bending my ear on that proposal, and it seems a good one, but we need to rationalise it.