To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he received the Treasury documents relating to the five economic tests and the 18 background studies; what discussions he has held with ministerial colleagues on the tests since receipt of the documents; when he expects to complete his analysis of the documents; and what representations (a) he and (b) departmental officials will make to other Departments before a decision is reached on the economic tests. [115388]
Her Majesty's Treasury's 18 supporting studies on European Monetary Union were sent to Cabinet Ministers on 16 May 2003. My right hon. Friends, the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, are holding meetings with Cabinet Members. There was an initial discussion at Cabinet on 22 May 2003. This will be followed by a special Cabinet meeting on 5 June 2003. My right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, will make a statement to the House on 9 June 2003.