§ Mr. HendrickTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to publish a White Paper on regional governance. [2197]
§ The Deputy Prime MinisterOur manifesto committed us to making provision for directly elected regional government in regions where people decide in a referendum to support it and where predominantly unitary local government is established. The Prime Minister has asked me to be responsible for a White Paper on Regional Governance, in close liaison with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions and in co-operation with other Cabinet colleagues. I will present the White Paper to Parliament as soon as it is ready.