Written question asked by Gordon Prentice (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 December 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 December 2003. It was answered by Phil Hope (Labour) on Monday, 8 December 2003 on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, when he expects to publish the full list of (a) powers and (b) functions of the proposed regional assemblies. - Includes ref to Regional Governance White Paper, "Your Region, Your Choice Revitalising the English Regions".

Answer: Mr. Gordon Prentice: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he expects to publish the full list of (a) powers and (b) functions of the proposed regional assemblies. [142567] Phil Hope: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister published the Regional Governance White Paper, Your Region, Your Choice Revitalising the English Regions in May 2002. This set out our proposals for elected regional assemblies for regions that chose to have them. The powers and functions of assemblies were set out in full in the White Paper. The Fire White Paper, "Our Fire and Rescue Service", published in June of this year, announced that responsibility for the fire and rescue service will transfer to a regional level in regions that choose to have an elected assembly. We hope to publish a draft Bill to establish elected regional assemblies before the referendums take place next autumn in the North East, the North West and Yorkshire and the Humber.

Secondary information