Clause 34 - Regional development agencies
London Olympics Bill
5:30 pm
Richard Caborn (Minister of State (Sport), Department for Culture, Media & Sport; Sheffield Central, Labour)
Before I explain our resistance to the amendment, may I say that the nations and regions support group, chaired by Charles Allen, which advised the 2012 bid team—it was very successful and I should like to thank all who were involved; it was one of the key factors in our securing the bid in Singapore—has now moved to a new phase for the delivery of the games? I am the Minister responsible for it, and it involves a lot of senior people from the regional development agencies, sports bodies around the country and the devolved administrations. That group will continue, and it will have a clear focus on the regions. As we have said many times, this is not a London-centric games; it is for the whole country. The support for the bid—even, if I may say so Mr. Hood, in Scotland—was about 81 per cent. We want to ensure that we continue to tap into that strong vein.
RDAs will be able to take action to support the success of the games under the powers that they already have under the Regional Development Agencies Act 1990, which exist to further economic development. The 2012 Olympic competitions will take place across the country, and every region will have the opportunity to benefit and to capitalise on them. However, we must ensure that this one body is responsible for co-ordinating public sector efforts to prepare for the games. We do not want the RDAs to get distracted from their core business, which is why the Bill ensures that the ODA can co-ordinate actions taken by the RDAs that specifically and exclusively involve preparation for the London Olympics. With that explanation, I hope that the hon. Gentleman will withdraw his amendment.