The Board discussed a proposed Discussion Paper based on preliminary and tentative Board views based on discussions to date. The Discussion Paper includes specific questions for respondents with respect to the Board's preliminary views. It also sets out alternatives that were considered and the arguments for and against each.

The Board asked the staff to make a number of clarifications in the draft Discussion Paper. The staff will redraft the Discussion Paper based on the Board members' comments with the objective of seeking the Board's approval to issue at the Board's April 2004 meeting, with a 90 day comment period.

The staff noted that the paper will be sent to the advisory panel after the Board meeting for comment.