§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to vary the numbers of members at present sitting in the Shadow South West Regional Assembly; and how many members will be elected to the proposed South West Regional Assembly. [41393]
§ Dr. Whitehead"South West Regional Assembly" is the name used by the regional chamber designated by the Secretary of State under s.8 of the Regional Development Agencies Act 1998. It is not a "shadow" body of a922W possible future elected regional assembly for the southwest, but a voluntary body which has been recognised by Ministers for the purposes of scrutiny of the South West Regional Development Agency. The number of members of the assembly is therefore primarily a matter for the assembly.
The forthcoming Regional Governance White Paper will set out our proposals for elected regional assemblies in future, including their number of members.
§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what(a) salaries and (b) expenses are available to members of the Shadow South West Regional Assembly; and if he will make a statement on the remuneration of members of the proposed assembly. [41394]
§ Dr. WhiteheadSalaries and expenses of the existing the South West Regional Assembly are a matter for the assembly. The forthcoming Regional Government White Paper will set out our proposals for elected regional assemblies in future.