Mr Major’s Statement on ERM Paper Release – 4 February 2005

The text of Mr Major’s statement to the Press Association on the release of papers relating to the ERM, issued on 4th February 2005.

JOHN MAJOR:

The Release of Papers related to the exit of Sterling from the ERM

I have seen Lord Lamont’s Press Release this afternoon with which I entirely concur.

In view of some wholly misleading Press Reports this morning I wish to make clear:

– I knew nothing of any request for Papers until late Wednesday evening (UK time) when I was in the US.
– I have asked for no delay of any kind: merely an opportunity to read the documents so that I might respond to questions post publication.
– At no point have I raised any objection to release of the content of the documents.
– At no point have I asked for publication to be blocked.
– When I am able to study the documents this weekend, I do not expect to request any deletions. In any event, deletions can only relate to areas set out in the FOI Act. Decisions upon this are for officials only – not former Ministers.

4th February 2005