HC Deb 25 June 1998 vol 314 cc609-10W
20. Mr. McNulty

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received from retailers on the Government's policy on economic and monetary union. [46168]

Mrs. Liddell

The retail sector is represented on our Business Advisory Group on EMU, which allows us to work with business on the strategic and practical implications of EMU. Retailers were involved in producing a report from the Business Advisory Group on EMU, published in January, and are helping us to prepare an outline national changeover plan of the steps which would be involved if the UK were to decide to join the single currency.

22. Mr. Gardiner

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the preparations he is making for the introduction of a single currency. [46170]

23. Dr. Starkey

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the preparations he is making for the introduction of a single currency. [46172]

Mrs. Liddell

Our priority is to make businesses aware of the strategic and practical implications of the launch of the euro on 1 January 1999, and to help them prepare. The Treasury's Euro Preparations Unit is stepping up our communications campaign aimed chiefly at smaller businesses. It includes a telephone line, a website and factsheets, and we will soon publish a six-monthly report on preparations for the euro.

34. Mr. Loughton

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the cost to public funds of the Captain Euro campaign. [46186]

Mrs. Liddell

There has been no public funding of the Captain Euro campaign by either the UK Government or by the European Parliament.

Mr. Derek Twigg

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the outcome of the most recent meeting of the Standing Committee on preparations for EMU; and what preparations have been made by public authorities to prepare for the launch of the euro in other member states on 1 January 1999. [47897]

Mr. Gordon Brown

The Standing Committee on preparations for EMU met for the second time on 20 May. A copy of the minutes of the meeting has been placed in the Library of the House. Government departments and other public authorities have been engaged in a wide range of preparations for the launch of the euro in other member states on 1 January 1999, especially to help businesses in the UK meet the challenges of responding to the change in the business environment across Europe. A copy of a booklet, "EMU: Steps for 1999", published by the Treasury on 18 May which describes these activities and which responds to recommendations made by the Business Advisory Group on EMU has also been deposited in the Library.

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