HC Deb 05 March 2003 vol 400 c999W
11. Mr. Mackay

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what progress he has made in establishing regional governance in England. [100660]

Mr. Raynsford

The Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Bill had its Report and Third Reading in the House of Commons on 23 January 2003 and received its Second Reading in the other place on 24 February 2003. The Bill provides for the English regions to hold referendums about an elected assembly, and for a review of two-tier local government by the Boundary Committee before a referendum is held in a particular region.

As my right hon. Friend said earlier we have invited responses by 3 March 2003 to the soundings exercise.