§ Mr. GibbTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will list the main activities of the Euro Preparations Unit since December 1997; [53741]
(2) if he will make a statement on the programme of the Standing Committee on Preparations for EMU in 1998–99; [53737]
(3) if he will publish a breakdown of the Euro Preparations Unit's programme of co-ordination with external organisations. [53740]
§ Ms Hewitt[holding answer 30 July 1998]: The Treasury published on 28 July "Getting Ready for the Euro, first report July 1998". Copies were placed in the Library of the House. The report includes a description of the activities undertaken by the Treasury's Euro Preparations Unit, including its extensive contacts with business. The report also sets out the programme of 665W activities relating to practical preparations for the euro over the next six months, including the next meeting of the Standing Committee on preparations for EMU. The Standing Committee is expected to consider preparations for the launch of the euro on 1 January 1999, communications with business, and progress on the outline national changeover plan, which will set out the steps which would need to be followed if the United Kingdom were to decide to join the single currency.