§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the cost of securing the Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Act 2003 and enabling referendums in the three northern regions has been to date. [157027]
§ Mr. RaynsfordIt is not possible to disaggregate relevant staff and overhead costs.
To date £4,000 has been incurred on the soundings exercise, and the three consultations on the arrangements for the referendums.
Expenditure has also been incurred by the Electoral Commission, which receives resources from the Speakers Committee to cover its costs.
On 17 June 2003, my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister directed the Boundary Committee for England to conduct reviews of local government structure in the three Northern Regions. It is anticipated that the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will provide £4.5 million to the Boundary Committee for England during 2003–04 for this work.