Mandy backs RDAs

摘要

A Cabinet heavyweight and two ministers have challenged the Conservatives over the post-election future of regional government.In another pre-election salvo, business secretary, Lord Mandelson; local government minister, Rosie Winterton; and employment minister, Jim Knight, claimed Tory plans to shelve regional development agencies (RDAs) would hit the UK's fragile economic recovery.Unveiling plans for RDAs to strengthen working with universities across the country, the ministers argued the agencies were also vital to ensure joined-up decisions on planning, transport and developing hi-tech industries which would boost jobs.