HC Deb 08 December 1992 vol 215 cc691-2
Q8. Mr. Sweeney

To ask the Prime Minister whether the establishment of a single currency within the union remains the policy of Her Majesty's Government.

The Prime Minister

The 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. Sweeney

I 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 Minister

No, 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 Ewing

rose—

Madam Speaker

Order. I remind the hon. Lady that this is a closed question.

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