CONFUSION over the powers to be handed to elected regional assemblies means October's referendums will be "like Blind Date, without Cilla Black", the Tories will claim today.

The Conservatives will use a Commons debate to launch a fierce attack on the Government's failure to explain what people are being asked to vote for in the autumn.

They will accuse Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott of "parading around the North of England", hinting at extra powers the elected assemblies will enjoy.

Yet a long-promised draft Bill will not be published until July, shortly before MPs leave Westminster for the summer break and only three months before the crucial polls.

David Curry, Tory spokes-man on devolved government, said: "John Prescott's 'Great North Vote' is, in fact, a great North hoax.

"He parades around the North of England attempting to drum up support for regional assemblies, without clarifying what powers they will have. It's like Blind Date without Cilla Black.

"The best way to proceed is for the government to publish draft legislation, confirming which powers it wants to give to the regional assemblies."

Voters in the North East and Yorkshire will have the chance to vote for an elected assembly, to be set up no earlier than 2006.

The assemblies will enjoy powers to raise money through council tax and borrowing, and responsibilities for planning, regeneration, housing and economic development.

The Government has said they will also "prepare strategies" for skills, unemployment, transport, waste, culture and health improvement.

But, according to the Tories, Mr Prescott also said the assemblies could be given powers over adult education, training and policing.

The deputy prime minister has insisted the government never promised to publish a Bill before the referendums, although it will now be released in July.