I RESPOND to Tony Sprason's questions about Regional Assemblies (Letters, February 18). I have paraphrased his questions and then answered them briefly.

Q: What are these Regional Asssemblies? I thought the Government had decided not to go ahead in the light of the "No" vote in the North East.

A: Regional Assemblies have existed for many years. The North West was one of the first. There are now nine, one of which is directly elected (the Greater London Assembly) and eight which consist of 70 per cent elected councillors appointed by their local authorities, and 30 per cent "economic and social partners" appointed by the universties and colleges, faith organisations, the business community, trade unions and various community and special interest groups.

Q: Am I right in thinking that the RAs have many powers and spend a lot of taxpayers money?

A: RAs are the regional planning bodies charged with producing the "Regional Spatial Strategy" which guides local planning authorities on housing, industry, and shopping and incorporates strategies for energy generation and use, transport and waste management. Preparation of this strategy is the Assembies biggest single task.

The Regional Development Agencies must also consult RAs in drawing-up the Regional Economic Strategy. The NW Development Agency has funds of approximately £400 milliion per year and it is very important that local representatives are consulted on the strategy and can scrutinise its spending and delivery.

The RA also serves as a focus for issues such as European Funding where a regional view needs to be put to the Government.

Q:.What is the cost of the Assembly and what are its members paid?

A: The Assembly's budget is approximately £3 million per year (to put that in context, the budget of Bury Council is around £300 million). About 80 per cent of the funding comes via government grant; the other 20 per cent from the local authority members. I am the leader of the Assembly - which is similar to being leader of a local authority - and receive a special responsibility allowance of £5,000 per year. The chairman of the Assembly serves for one year. The chairman and the chairmen of the Assembly's committees receive smaller responsibility allowances. The Assembly's other members are not paid.

Lastly, the Government have stated that they continue to regard Regional Assemblies as appropriate bodies to deal with regional issues. They are certainly not "unconstitutional" since their powers are granted by Acts of Parliament and whilst, other than the Greater London Assembly, they are not directly elected (which I personally regret), they are nevetheless the most democratic of the bodies which have been entrusted with responsibilities at regional level.

I conclude by thanking Mr Sprason for giving me the opportunity to answer his questions.

COUN DEREK BODEN,

leader, North West

Regional Assembly.