16. To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his responsibilitieswith regard to the chairmanship of the Ministerial Committee on Local and Regional Government. (108599)

The hon. Gentleman will be aware that I chair the Cabinet committees on Local and Regional Government, as well as Local and Regional Government Strategy and Performance.

My task is to broker collectively agreed policy,to ensure local government is best empowered to provide excellent services and improve the lives of our citizens.