HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : UK Finance ministers meet to promote better public services and economic prosperity [March 2003]

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 10 March 2003.

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Paul Boateng, today took part in the first ever quadrilateral meeting of UK Finance Ministers. At the meeting hosted in Cardiff by Welsh Assembly Government Finance Minister Edwina Hart, Mr Boateng also met with, the Scottish Executive Deputy Minister for Finance and Public Services, Peter Peacock, and Ian Pearson the Northern Ireland Office Finance Minister, together with Scotland Office Minister Anne McGuire and Wales Office Minister Don Touhig.

Welcoming the first in a series of regular quadrilateral meetings, Paul Boateng said:

“The finance ministers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and I share a common objective of improving public service delivery and strengthening economic development and productivity across the UK.

“I am therefore delighted that Edwina Hart is hosting this first meeting of the finance ministers in Cardiff today.

“The fact is that devolution is working and working well. Devolution means that there is more scope for policy innovation and for policies that reflect local priorities. The purpose of the meeting is to encourage an exchange of views and information so that we can all learn more about what is working best in our respective areas.”

“Our prudent management of the economy has delivered low inflation, low interest rates, low unemployment and large increases in public spending in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In the Pre Budget Report we announced a range of measures, which will promote fairness and economic prosperity in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, including for example new Enterprise Areas which will encourage enterprise in the poorest parts of the UK.

“And we have just published a consultation document on the future of the European Structural Funds after enlargement, which sets out the Government’s vision of a strong and devolved regional policy.

“This meeting is a concrete example of the close partnership which exists between the Treasury and the devolved administrations.  I myself have recently visited Belfast, Swansea and Glasgow and seen at first hand vibrant examples of public sector projects and companies which are at the leading edge of providing services in the UK and indeed the world. I am delighted to have this opportunity to learn more from my colleagues in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland about devolution in action.”

Hosting the meeting, Welsh Finance Minister Edwina Hart said:

“I am delighted to have this chance to discuss the opportunities that devolution has offered in Wales and to explain how the Assembly Government has responded with its own innovative and distinct policy solutions. It is also very useful to maintain close working relationship with colleagues from Scotland and Northern Ireland as there is a good deal we can learn from each other.”

Scottish Executive Deputy Finance Minister Peter Peacock said:

“These meetings are a valuable opportunity for us to discuss issues of common concern, and to exchange ideas. They are part of the stable devolution framework that has been established since 1999. They demonstrate how the devolved administrations and the UK Government can work together to improve public services and aid economic growth.”

Wales Office Minister Don Touhig said:

“I am delighted that Wales was able to host the first of these meetings, which will provide a further strengthening of the devolution settlement.”

Scotland Office Minister Anne McGuire said:

“This meeting is an excellent opportunity for all administrations in the UK to discuss common interests. By sharing our experiences we can continue to ensure that we are doing the best for public services and economic development.”