HC Deb 13 February 2001 vol 363 c117W
Mr. Chope

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his reply of 8 February 2001,Official Report, column 648W, what different underlying economic realities are reflected in the proposed sub-regions. [150341]

Ms Beverley Hughes

The sub-regional approach draws on the report of the independent panel who conducted the public examination of the draft regional planning guidance (RPG) in March 2000. Their report was published on 3 August 2000 and copies were placed in the House of Commons Library. Chapter 4 of the report sets out their reasoning, including economic issues, which informed the proposals in the published proposed changes to the draft RPG.

Mr. Chope

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 8 February 2001,Official Report, column 648W, which parliamentary constituencies fall within each of the proposed sub-regions. [150340]

Ms Beverley Hughes

The proposed sub-regions are broad areas which each have key economic features in common and therefore offer a basis for spatial planning. The areas overlap and it is not therefore possible to be as specific as the question suggests. The proposals remain subject to public consultation and comment.