HC Deb 01 July 1997 vol 297 cc108-9W
Mrs. May

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consultations have been undertaken by Treasury Ministers and officials with the banking and retail industries, and the accountancy profession, on the preparations for the introduction of a single currency. [3530]

Mrs. Liddell

Treasury Ministers and officials meet regularly with representatives of the banking, retail and accounting sectors to discuss a wide range of issues.

The Bank of England has been involved in consultations with the financial sector on a number of issues surrounding the implications of the introduction of a European single currency. The Bank provides information, primarily targeted at the financial sector, through the publication of a quarterly bulletin entitled "The Practical Issues Arising from the Introduction of the Euro".

Mrs. May

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment his Department has made of the cost to the Government of the introduction of a European single currency. [3539]

Mrs. Liddell

The Government will assess the implications of EMU for jobs, investment and growth in the United Kingdom. In making that assessment, the cost to Government of joining EMU is one of many aspects which will be taken into account.