§ Mr. LawsTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what request he has recently made to the Office of National Statistics in relation to confirming the correct accounting treatment for the classification of the borrowings of foundation hospitals; and if he will make a statement. [101620]
§ Mr. Boateng[holding answer 10 March 2003]Treasury officials consult ONS about the national accounts treatment of new institutions as a matter of routine. Treasury officials sent a letter to ONS on the 3 February 2003 with the full involvement of DH officials. This was a routine inquiry and not undertaken by Ministers.