§ Mr. TyrieTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list those measures in the Budget which will assist the United Kingdom in conforming to his five economic tests for joining EMU. [77895]
§ Ms HewittThe Government have said that the UK economy needs a period of economic stability in order to demonstrate settled and sustainable convergence. The Budget reinforces economic stability by keeping the public finances under control, while allowing fiscal policy to support the economy in the next phase of the cycle. The measures contained in the Budget to raise productivity and increase employment opportunities for all will also improve the flexibility of the UK economy to adapt to economic change. These measures are in the national economic interest. Preparations should be made in this Parliament so that, should the economic tests be met, a decision to join a successful single currency can be made early in the next Parliament.