§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what resources his Department will be devoting to informing and educating businesses about the introduction of the euro in(a) 1998, (b) 1999 and (c) 2000. [53912]
§ Mrs. RocheThe work of the Government in informing and educating businesses about the introduction of the euro is being led by the Euro Preparations Unit (EPU) in HM Treasury. To meet this objective, the EPU has received Summer Supplementary Estimate provision of £7.5 million to help raise awareness during 1998–99. No expenditure has been authorised beyond this.
The Department of Trade and Industry supports the work of the EPU by promoting greater awareness of the introduction of the euro, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises, through its many contacts with business. A small unit has been established to co-ordinate this work.
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