§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures his Department is taking to ensure that the public are accurately informed of the issues relating to EMU. [19928]
§ Mrs. Liddell[holding answer 9 December 1997]: In July, the Treasury published two booklets, "EMU—Practical Information for Business", and "The Pros and Cons of EMU", of which about 60,000 and 21,000 copies have been distributed respectively. In October, the 708W Treasury published "UK Membership of the Single Currency: An Assessment of the Five Economic Tests", about 6,000 copies of which have been distributed.
Separately, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor has set up a Business Advisory Group on the strategic and practical implications of EMU, and a Standing Committee on preparations for EMU. A summary of the findings of the Business Advisory Group will be published in early 1998 and will include recommendations on the information required by business about EMU. The Government have also announced plans for a series of regional conferences to be held early in the New Year to ensure that all regions and sectors of the economy are aware of the need to prepare.
Copies of a folder titled "Business Preparations for the Euro", containing all the information published, including a note on Government activities, have been placed in the Library of the House.