§ Mr. AlexanderTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements his Department proposes to make in order to select candidates to propose for City Status. [71430]
§ Mr. McLeishAwards of city status are made by Her Majesty The Queen acting under the Royal Prerogative, on the advice of the Government of the day. Her Majesty has expressed the intention of making awards in 2000 and 2002. Towns which have indicated an interest in city status will be contacted in May and invited to submit a formal application.