§ 28. Mr. TimmsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the timetable for the introduction of a strategic authority and mayor in London. [473]
§ Mr. PrescottSubject to a referendum and the necessary legislation being enacted by Parliament, I expect that the new mayor and authority will be elected in May 2000.
§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to set up, support and fund an all party organisation to campaign in favour of a yes vote in respect of a referendum on proposals to set up a strategic authority for London; and if he will make a statement. [1498]
§ Mr. RaynsfordNone. We are intending to issue a consultations paper on the establishment of a directly elected mayor and strategic authority in London by the end of July. We will subsequently introduce legislation to make provision for a referendum in London on this matter and subject to parliamentary approval it is our intention to hold the referendum in May 1998.