To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what role regional Ministers will play in deciding applications for housing growth points; who will make the final decision on such applications; and when each decision will be made. (179825)

[holding answer 17 January 2008]: Regional Ministers do not have a specific role in the consideration of expressions of interest for growth points. Following consultation with other Government Departments, agencies and regional bodies, Communities and Local Government Ministers intend to make a final decision on the selected schemes shortly. However, all growth point expressions of interest will be subject to testing through the planning system.