§ Mr. StringerTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) what target has been set for the turnout in the referendums on regional assemblies; [144874]
(2) what budget has been agreed within the three Government Offices for the Regions to increase turnout in referendums on regional assemblies; and what organisational changes are planned in the three Government offices to help increase the turnout in the referenda on regional assemblies;[144875]
(3)what guidance he has given to Government Offices for the Regions on increasing the turnout in the referendums on elected regional assemblies. [144876]
§ Mr. RaynsfordNone—there is no turnout target.
However, the Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Act 2003 (Chapter 10) gives the Electoral Commission the power to
do anything they think necessary or expedient for the purpose of encouraging votingat these referendums.