As stated in the answer given to the right hon. Member for Maidenhead (Mrs. May), on 17 December 2007, Official Report, column 1157W, all Regional Ministers consulted with stakeholders on the Government draft legislative programme in September and October. In addition a number wrote to interested parties inviting their views. Among those consulted were representatives from local authorities, business, public institutions, voluntary and community sectors, hon. Members and Noble Lords, and environmental groups.
Regional Ministers were asked to lead a discussion with regional stakeholders on the Government draft legislative programme and all comments received by Regional Ministers were forwarded to the Cabinet Office. To provide further information on responses to stakeholders and further steps taken, would incur disproportionate costs.