§ 7. Mr. John Wilkinson (Ruislip-Northwood)What consultations he has held with Cabinet colleagues over the presentation of Government policy towards European economic and monetary union. [58919]
§ The Minister for the Cabinet Office (Dr. Jack Cunningham)I have regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on a wide range of issues.
§ Mr. WilkinsonDoes the right hon. Gentleman agree that textual criticism about whether the Chancellor or the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry said "if' or "when" is superfluous because they are united on the promotion of the euro, if on nothing else? Will he admit to the House that the real agenda for his party and his Government was spelled out in the document "The European Way", initiated during the Government's presidency of the European Union, which suggests a 928 minimum level of taxation for companies and savings, or, in other words, further imposts on British jobs that would further damage British competitiveness?
§ Dr. CunninghamI can certainly confirm that the Government's position on the single currency has not changed. We wish it to be a success; we shall test our position on joining it on the basis of jobs, investment and what is good for British industry and the economy; and if the Government decide that we should join, we shall put that decision to Parliament and to the people of this country.
As for differences in respect of the document that the hon. Gentleman mentioned, that is not a Government-to-Government document, but a document from a party of European socialists who are working towards a manifesto. It does not commit the Government specifically to anything. It is a draft working document. It is not surprising that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer supports that work, because, as the hon. Gentleman accurately said, it commenced under my right hon. Friend's chairmanship during the British presidency of the European Union.
§ Mr. Mike Gapes (Ilford, South)Does my right hon. Friend know that, in my constituency, a large number of businesses are expressing a positive approach towards the prospect of Britain eventually joining the euro? They have changed their attitude over the past two or three years. Is he further aware that the co-operation on policy on a pan-European basis that is being pursued by the party of European Socialists is in marked contrast to the narrow-minded isolationism and nationalist xenophobia on the Conservative Benches?
§ Dr. CunninghamYes, I agree with my hon. Friend. He highlights the disarray in the Conservative party on Britain's role in Europe, and the Conservatives' general disarray on policy. The Leader of the Opposition disagrees with the shadow Chancellor, who disagrees with the shadow spokespeople on education and health. It is a shambles.
§ Dr. Julian Lewis (New Forest, East)When the Minister consults his colleagues on the matter, will he make a point of reminding them that repeated opinion polls have shown that only one third of the British people favour economic and monetary union, whereas well over half of them oppose it? Will he ensure that lashings of Government money are not expended on bogus arguments about the inevitability of something that a heavy majority of the British people rightly reject?
§ Dr. CunninghamThe Government will present our case for what is best for Britain to the British people in a consistent and wholly proper and prudent manner.