§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what expenditure on promoting the euro is planned for(a) 1998–99 and (b) 1999–2000; [50422]
(2) what EU funding he has applied for to promote the euro in (a) 1998–99 and (b) 1999–2000. [50354]
§ Mrs. Liddell[holding answer 13 July 1998]: The Government's communication campaign on the euro is aimed not at promoting the euro but at ensuring that UK businesses are aware of the implications of the introduction of the single currency from 1 January 1999, and to provide them with the information they need.
To this end the Treasury Euro Preparations Unit has received Summer Supplementary Estimate provision of £7.5 million to help raise business awareness of the implications of the launch of the euro, and to provide business with practical help during 1998–99. No expenditure has been authorised beyond this.
To date the Commission has agreed to provide £21,000 from the Community funds towards the costs of the publication and distribution of the Treasury booklet "EMU: Practical Information for Business", published last July. We will continue to talk to the Commission about the scope for further help with our campaign for raising business awareness for 1 January 1999.