§ Ann WintertonTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the proposed(a) question and(b) preamble on the ballot paper for the referendum on a regional assembly in the North East of England; and what assessment he has made of the Electoral Commission's statement on the proposed referendum question. [188804]
§ Mr. RaynsfordThe form of the question and preamble on the ballot paper for the referendum on a regional assembly in the North East is prescribed by the Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Act 2003(a). The question was amended during the passage of the Act to take account of the Electoral Commission's comments and those of others.