Stewart, who had not been asked for any input before the England Cricket Board discussion meeting which starts today, said: ``To be honest I haven't given the issue much thought, whether regional cricket, two divisions or whatever, but all I would like to see is that the gap between our domestic game and Test cricket is made smaller.
``At the moment there is a huge gap, probably the biggest in the world. If we can make it slightly smaller, obviously sooner rather than later, then you will find the jump the players have to make is that much easier.
``It is a very difficult one. You could reduce the number of teams to 14 or maybe 12, but that's not going to happen. Two divisions, in my view, won't lead to an improvement because more or less the same amount of cricket would be played. If you reduce the number of teams, the quality of cricket will improve. The players will have more practice time, training time and rest time.''
Stewart believes the team spirit built up through the county changing rooms is essential for a successful Test team, and did not think a regional set-up would be detrimental to that.
Another magazine survey has favoured splitting the championship, confirming a general swing among the public and most county players towards this idea.
A poll of 3,000 enthusiasts, published in Cricket Lore this week, showed that 71 per cent thought the championship needed reforming in some way and, on the assumption of change, 68 per cent favoured two divisions. However, the feeling in favour of promotion and relegation was far from overwhelming.
The respondents to the Cricket Lore survey were a cross-section of readers and members of the experimental National Cricket Membership Scheme based at the magazine's London N16 OHS postal address.
England's authorities yesterday announced a range of price cuts for next summer's Test series against New Zealand, hoping to tempt new followers attracted by the preceding World Cup.
The ECB will offer half-price tickets for under-16s and will reduce adult tickets by 25 per cent compared with this year's series against South Africa, with special offers for late admission and the fourth and fifth days.