HC Deb 14 January 2003 vol 397 cc599-600W
Mr. Viggers

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the cost is of the soundings exercise on the level of interest in holding a referendum about an elective assembly in each English region. [90345]

Mr. Raynsford

The soundings document has been produced in-house, from the design and printing to its dissemination through the Government's distribution centre at Wetherby. It is also available on-line and respondents have been able to e-mail their views if they so wish. Production and distribution (including postage) has cost less than £700 to date.

Additional costs may be incurred if it is necessary to print extra copies in the future. There will be some staff costs in recording and considering responses to the soundings exercise.