HC Deb 12 March 2003 vol 401 c326W
Mr. Swire

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to register English regional assemblies as limited companies. [102342]

Mr. Raynsford

None. Elected regional assemblies in England will be established as bodies corporate by the legislation the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will bring forward after at least one region has voted in a referendum to have one. They will have power to form companies for the purposes of carrying out their functions if they see fit to do so.

Many of the existing regional chambers (who now all style themselves assemblies) are already or are considering registering as limited companies.