§ Q8. Mr. SweeneyTo ask the Prime Minister whether the establishment of a single currency within the union remains the policy of Her Majesty's Government.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government believe that it is too soon to consider whether or not the United Kingdom should move to a single currency. The United Kingdom is not obliged or committed to such a move and no decision to move to a single currency will be made without the specific approval of Parliament.
§ Mr. SweeneyI am grateful to my right hon. Friend for that reply. Does he accept that under article 109J of the treaty we shall be driven inexorably towards a single currency whether we want it or not?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, I do not accept that. As my hon. Friend knows, we have a specific provision that will enable us at an appropriate time to decide whether or not we take part in a single currency. That provision does not prevent us from preparing with our Community partners for their move into a single currency, but we remain uncommitted until and unless the House decides that we should move into one.
§ Mrs. Margaret Ewingrose—
§ Madam SpeakerOrder. I remind the hon. Lady that this is a closed question.