§ Mr. MitchellTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his assessment is of the degree of convergence between the UK and economies in the euro zone between 1992 and 2000; and what his estimate is of the degree of convergence between 2001 and 2004. [145635]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonSustainable convergence between Britain and the economies of a single currency is one of the five economic tests set out by the Government. The Chancellor of the Exchequer has said we will make another assessment of the five economic tests early in the next Parliament.
§ Mr. GrieveTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the attitude of Scottish business towards(a) entering and (b) staying out of the euro. [145658]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonThe determining factor underpinning any Government decision on joining the single currency is whether the economic case is clear and unambiguous. Because of the magnitude of the decision, the Government believe that, if a decision to enter is taken by Government, it should be put to a referendum of the British people.