§ Miss WiddecombeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much expenditure his Department(a) has incurred to date and (b) expects to incur in the future, on preparations for possible United Kingdom entry into the European single currency; and if he will make a statement. [92554]
§ Mr. Straw[holding answer 23 July 1999]: Following the publication of the Government's Outline National Changeover Plan, the Home Office is considering what preparation may be necessary for the introduction of the euro. The Home Office has no specific budget for euro preparations.
Existing staff resources have been used in the initial management planning that has taken place to date. No additional cash expenditure has been incurred. Nor will any additional funds be sought in the foreseeable future to draw up plans. Departmental changeover work will continue using existing staff resources.