SMALL businesses in Darlington have met to discuss the possible impact of an elected regional assembly.
The Darlington Branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) hosted the debate at the Hallgarth Hotel and Country Club.
The open meeting attracted several people to hear speakers put forward both sides of the argument.
The Government is expected to announce that the North-East is to be the first region in the country to have a referendum on whether it wants its own assembly with devolved powers.
Author and broadcaster Dr Richard North, research director for a group of MPs, spoke against the proposals.
Darlington borough councillor Nick Wallis expressed the case from the Government standpoint.
FSB branch chairman Peter Troy said: "It was a good meeting in which each side gave a presentation for 15 minutes before it was opened up for questions.
"The principal concern of small businesses is does this mean there's going to be more politicians squabbling over existing money, or does it mean we are going to get more funding from Brussels?"
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