§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer in what circumstances he was asked to leave the room during the Meeting of the Euro XI to discuss the single currency at Senningen Castle, Luxembourg on 4 June; and what factors led to the Austrian finance minister taking the chair. [46254]
§ Mrs. Liddell[holding answer 16 June 1998]: As President of ECOFIN, the Chancellor of the Exchequer was invited to attend the informal meeting on 4 June. The Chancellor took part in a constructive discussion of issues for consideration at the September meeting of Euro-XI which will involve all Member States. At an appropriate point, when issues falling within the specific responsibility of Member States joining the single currency were to be discussed, the Chancellor left the meeting.
All meetings of Euro-XI will be chaired by the Presidency or, if the Presidency is held by a nonparticipating Member State, by the next Presidency in office. That is why Mr. Edlinger chaired the 4 June meeting.
208WThese arrangements are entirely in line with Luxembourg European Council conclusions and were agreed by all Member States in advance.