BUSINESSES in the region have compiled a list of questions they would like answered before giving their support to a regional assembly.

The North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) have joined forces to list their concerns about a devolved government.

They plan to submit written queries to the Government next week.

Top of the agenda is the demand for a clarification of the assembly's remit.

The two business organisations are calling for assurances that it will not be an extra tier of government.

NECC chief executive George Cowcher said: "If it is just another layer of government and it is a cost to us, then we would be wrong to do it."

The two organisations' other concerns were:

* Whether a regional assembly would improve the regional economy;

* What the fate of the regional development agency would be and whether it would lose its independence by becoming accountable to an assembly;

* Whether it would remain "cost neutral".

* That it would not run up mounting costs as the Scottish and Welsh parliaments have;

* Evidence that it would be led by high-calibre candidates;

* That it would be capable of making quick decisions and not worsen the speed of local government's approach to decision-making.

* Clarification on how businesses would influence assembly decisions.

* A voting threshold set out, with a minimum voter turn-out of 50 per cent and a 30 per cent vote in favour of the assembly, to ensure it had support in the region.

* That the region will not be disadvantaged and the Government will not devolve powers or duties to the region without providing the money.