§ Alistair BurtTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many(a) letters and (b) other representations he has received from individuals in support of an elected East of England Regional Assembly. [175870]
§ Mr. RaynsfordBetween 2 December 2002 and 18 May 2004 the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has received 79 e-mails and letters from individuals and organisations in connection with the White Paper "Your Region, Your Choice" relating to an elected regional assembly for the Eastern region. One individual and one parish council expressed support for an elected regional assembly for the Eastern region. 43 correspondents opposed the idea. The remainder of the inquirers either did not express a definite opinion or were merely seeking information. In the light of this response, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has not proposed a referendum in the Eastern region on an Elected Regional Assembly.