To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what progress has been made on arrangements for the accountability of regional Ministers to the House throughout the creation of select committees. (180826)

[holding answer 21 January 2008]: The Government's position as set out in the “Governance of Britain” Green Paper proposes regional Ministers being held accountable through parliamentary questions and scrutiny by parliamentary committee. Whether this is best actioned by select committees or some other arrangement has yet to be decided. The details and structure of committees is under consideration by the Modernisation Committee of the House. The Government will be submitting their evidence in due course. It will ultimately be for Parliament to decide what structure for regional accountability will be established.