§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister when the consultation period on the powers of elected assemblies began; when it will end; who is eligible to make representations; how many representations have been received to date; and which(a) individuals and (b) organisations have made representations so far. [156999]
§ Mr. RaynsfordThe core powers and responsibilities the Government proposes for elected regional assemblies are set out in our 2002 White Paper "Your Region, Your Choice: Revitalising the English Regions" (Cm 5511).
As my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister made clear to the House on 11 February 2004, Official Report, column 1496. we will be holding regional 'hearings' about the proposed powers of elected assemblies. The hearings will give people an opportunity to consider and discuss our proposals, and enable us to learn more about what people think about these issues.
There will be three hearings in each of the three northern regions over the next two months. The first hearings will be held on 4 March in Berwick and Blackburn. Details of the other hearings will be announced in due course and Members of Parliament will be notified of hearings in their region
765WWe are also interested in views from people who are unable to attend the hearings, and information about elected assemblies' powers will be available shortly to help inform such views. Copies of this information will also be placed in the House Library.