HL Deb 17 February 2003 vol 644 c162WA
Lord Smith of Leigh

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How they intend to judge the representations about whether English regions will be in the first round of referendums for elected regional assemblies. [HL1396]

Lord Evans of Temple Guiting

On 2 December the Government launched a soundings exercise on the level of interest in each English region (outside London) in holding a referendum about establishing an elected regional assembly. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is asking for views, information and evidence from people in each region, including local authorities, MPs, MEPs, regional chambers and others. Responses are requested by 3 March 2003.

My right honourable friend the Deputy Prime Minister will consider carefully all views, information and evidence put to him in response to the soundings exercise before deciding in which regions he considers that there is interest in holding a referendum. He will also take into account such published information as he thinks appropriate.