HC Deb 31 March 2003 vol 402 cc508-10W
David Davis

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what measures the Department has taken to publicise public meetings arising from the public consultation into referendums for regional assemblies. [105197]

Mr. Raynsford

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister invited responses by post and email from individuals and organisations to our soundings exercise on the level of interest in each English region outside London in holding a referendum about establishing an elected regional assembly. We advised representative bodies that we would attach additional weight to responses which had been framed in response to wide consultation, but left it to them to decide on how best to consult their members, constituents or the general public in their area. No public meetings were held by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

David Davis

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many responses he has received to the consultation on a referendum for an elected regional assembly for Yorkshire and the Humber. [105289]

Mr. Raynsford

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister asked for responses by 3 March on its soundings exercise about the level of interest in each English region in holding a referendum about an elected regional assembly. Approximately 5,000 responses have been received so far, amongst which we have identified just over 400 from Yorkshire and the Humber.

Mrs. Ellman

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many responses he has received from the north-west in the recent soundings consultation on directly elected regional assemblies; and if he will make a statement. [105444]

Mr. Leslie

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister asked for responses by 3 March 2003 on its soundings exercise about the level of interest in each English region in holding a referendum about an elected regional assembly. Approximately 5,000 responses have been received so far, among which we have identified just under 2000 from the north-west.

Decisions will be announced after the Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Bill has received Royal Assent.

Mr. Liddell-Grainger

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what EU funding is spent by regional assemblies. [105524]

Mr. Raynsford

None.

Mr. Liddell-Grainger

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what civil service support is available to regional assemblies. [105525]

Mr. Raynsford

Meeting room space in government offices has occasionally been provided. But the voluntary regional assemblies are freestanding bodies that do not have civil service support.

Mr. Bercow

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the responses he has received to his proposals for referendums on regional assemblies. [106015]

Mr. Raynsford

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister asked for responses by 3 March 2003 on its soundings exercise about the level of regional interest in each English region in holding a referendum about an elected regional assembly. So far the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has received approximately 5,000 responses. We will announce our decisions after the Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Bill has received Royal Assent.