HC Deb 10 December 2003 vol 415 cc478-9W
Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to change the voting system in reorganised single tier authorities which may be established following the referendums on regional assemblies; and if he will make a statement. [142572]

Mr. Raynsford

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has no plans for reorganisation to affect the voting systems in English local government.

Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what recent representations he has received from organisations in the North West urging the Government to extend the powers and functions of the proposed regional assembly; and if he will make a statement. [142798]

Mr. Raynsford

Since it was announced which regions would proceed first towards referendums on 16 June 2003 the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has received four representations from organisations in the North West region asking the Government to extend the powers of the proposed regional assembly. In addition three individuals urged greater powers.