HL Deb 03 September 1998 vol 593 cc35-6WA
Lord Marlesford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the face value of the highest value banknote currently in circulation in each of the countries in the European Union (indicating in each case the sterling equivalent value at current exchange rates); and what face value is planned for the highest value euro note. [HL 3229]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

The face value of the highest value banknotes in circulation at May 1998 in each of the European Union countries is set out in the table below. The table also shows, rounded to the nearest £5, the sterling equivalent value at the market exchange rate as at 31 July 1998.

It has been agreed that the highest value euro bank note will be a 500 euro note.

Highest value banknote Sterling value (rounded to the nearest £5)
Belgium BEF 10,000 165
Denmark DKK 1,000 90
Germany DEM 1,000 345
Greece GRD 10,000 20
Spain ESP 10,000 40
France FRF 500 50

Highest value banknote Sterling value (rounded to the nearest £5)
Ireland IEP 100 85
Italy ITL 500,000 175
Luxembourg LUF 5,000 85
Netherlands NLG 1,000 305
Austria ATS 5,000 245
Portugal PTE 10,000 35
Finland FIM 1,000 115
Sweden SEK 1,000 75
United Kingdom GBP 50 50