Lamb questions value and effectiveness of Regional Development Agencies' overseas offices - East of England development agency has no overseas staff

2.39.28pm GMT Thu 8th Dec 2005

Norman Lamb, Liberal Democrat Trade & Industry Spokesperson, has discovered that each Regional Development Agency (RDA) has established their own overseas presence. Mr Lamb learnt of the staffing and office costs following a recent parliamentary question that he tabled, and has written to the National Audit Office to express concerns over his findings.

"There seems to be little evidence of co-ordination, and in some cases I am sure that the development agencies must end up competing with each other," says Mr Lamb.

"In addition, there seems to be much disparity between the overseas exposure provided by the various RDAs. The East of England has no overseas staff, whilst the North East development agency has 21 overseas members of staff.

"All of these offices are in addition to those services that are already provided by the Government organisation UK Trade and Investment, which is also established to promote international investment into the UK.

"I therefore have serious concerns about the value and the effectiveness of all these overseas offices."

Mr Lamb has asked the National Audit Office to provide a response to his concerns.