THE North's multi-million pound plan to become a world-beating science-led economy will be scrutinised by a House of Lords select committee today.

Peers will examine the work done by universities, businesses and regional development agencies One NorthEast and Yorkshire Forward to establish the region as a centre of scientific and engineering excellence.

In an unusual move, members of the House of Lords' Select Science and Technology Sub-Committee will hold a public evidence session in Newcastle Civic Centre.

All three northern RDAs - One NorthEast, Yorkshire Forward and the Northwest Development Agency - will present evidence of their work to put scientific innovation at the heart of new economies.

One NorthEast will showcase its portfolio of work, including putting £200m over five years into scientific innovation schemes.

Lord Patel, chairman of the sub-committee conducting the inquiry, said: "Most sub-committee hearings are held at Westminster.

"We felt it would be useful to hold this sub-committee meeting nearer our witnesses' bases - not least so that local people could attend and hear at first-hand about matters of such local interest."

One NorthEast will tell the sub committee of its work with universities and businesses, installing five chief executives of centres of scientific excellence, to offer research and development help to businesses.

The hearing is one of a series running this month - during which time the sub-committee will hear from the six other English RDAs and a range of interested parties.

Peers will publish a report at the end of June based on the evidence given to them that is likely to make recommendations to RDAs, the Government, and possibly to business and universities.