HC Deb 27 February 2004 vol 418 cc635-6W
Mr. Jenkin

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the evidential basis was for his estimate that an elected regional assembly would have(a) running costs of£25 million a year and (b) set-up costs of£30 million. [155142]

Mr. Raynsford

The evidence is drawn from the cost of setting up the Greater London Authority and its first year running costs, reflecting differences between the London arrangements and those proposed for elected regional assemblies. For example, it is not proposed to provide elected assemblies with new, purpose built headquarters.