[Sir Alan Haselhurst in the Chair] — Clause 1 — Referendums
Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Bill
6:00 pm
Mr Andrew George (St Ives, Liberal Democrat)
Does the hon. Gentleman acknowledge that he may be expressing a self-interested view? I have made it clear that I am happy for the north-east to proceed as quickly as possible, but there is not a settled belief in many other so-called regions that the boundaries are acceptable. Whether there is a one-off wide-ranging review, or whether the north-east goes ahead and the Xdifficult" areas become a part of a separate review by the Secretary of State or the boundary commission, the issues need to be addressed; otherwise there will be no regional government in the bulk of England.