Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott signalled his determination to press ahead with his vision for regional assemblies in England.

He confirmed at a national conference organised by the pro-devolution Campaign for the English Regions in York that referendums on the creation of directly-elected regional parliaments will be held before the next General Election.

Mr Prescott outlined how, if approved, the mini-parliaments would be charged with the task of overseeing each region's economy, transport and housing needs but he did not indicate which regions would be offered a referendum.

He said that since December 2002 local people had been given the chance to tell the Government whether they want a referendum for an elected assembly in their region by taking part in a public soundings exercise which is due to end on Monday, March 3.

''Devolution is already working in Scotland, Wales and London. That's why we started a soundings exercise last December to give people in England a chance to tell us if they wanted a referendum on an elected-assembly in their region. We want to hear from as many people as possible,'' he said.

However he stressed that the Government would not impose assemblies on regions that showed little interest in self-government.

''Some regions will not want a referendum and we will respect that. But, I believe that there is a hunger for English regional government in several parts of the country.

''It is my firm hope and intention that the first referendum will take place before the next General Election.''

The Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Bill is now before Parliament. After the Bill has received Royal Assent, the Government will announce which regions will have a referendum - although it is widely anticipated that the North-east will be the first to be offered a vote.