To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government with reference to the answer of 13 October 2008, Official Report, column 990W, on urban areas: research, what account her Department has taken of proposals for polycentric mega-city regions in the formulation of its policy. (245939)

The findings of the POLYNET Interreg 11B project have helped to further my Department's understanding of the dynamic and complex economic interrelationships between cities and city-regions, and their role in driving economic growth and prosperity. The study formed part of the evidence base that influenced reforms proposed in the Review of Sub-National Economic Development and Regeneration.