THIS autumn the government plans to call a referendum to ask people in Lancashire and across the North West for their views on its plans for an elected regional assembly.

I shall be in the 'No' camp.

What is being offered is a body that will be unrepresentative and inadequate for the task. I want to see regional government, but the proposals are but an apology for one.

I remain, however, firmly of the view that the people of the North West are quite capable of running their own local affairs free from London interference. I have confidence in our region.

SIR CYRIL SMITH, Emma Street, Rochdale.