Written question asked by Alison McGovern (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 March 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 March 2011. It was answered by James Paice (Conservative) on Thursday, 17 March 2011 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Northwest Regional Development Agency

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether he has made an assessment of the (a) cost to the public purse and (b) effect on employment levels in the North West of the transfer to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs of responsibility for the North West Regional Development Agency's rural development programme.

Answer: I have been asked to reply.There are limited costs as a result of the transfer of responsibility to deliver elements of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) from regional development agencies to DEFRA, primarily as a result of some IT and accommodation moves. These will be met from DEFRA's existing administrative RDPE budget, including costs related to the transfer of responsibilities from the North West Regional Development Agency. Efficiencies arising from these transfers are expected to contribute towards the savings currently anticipated under that programme as part of the Department's spending review settlement.Employees of the North West Regional Development Agency who currently administer the delivery of the rural development programme have the right to transfer into DEFRA under the terms of the Cabinet Office Statement of Practice on staff transfers. The RDPE delivery will continue to be focussed on improving agricultural competitiveness and supporting rural businesses, including those in the North West.

Secondary information