§ Mr. MacleanTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to issue information from his Department to help the public make an informed decision when they vote on the single currency. [73581]
§ Mr. RookerAny plans by the Government to issue information during a referendum campaign on whether or not the UK should join the single currency would be made in light of the Government's response to the recommendations from the Neill Committee on the conduct of referendums. The Government will announce their conclusions on those recommendations when my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary publishes a White Paper and draft Bill before the summer recess.
§ Mr. MacleanTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the subject areas within his Department's responsibilities which will be covered by the information campaign on Britain's membership of a single currency. [73676]
§ Mr. RookerI understand that HM Treasury, which has overall responsibility for the information campaign, will continue its dialogue with key external bodies to determine what information the public and business would need at each stage of the changeover process. Any campaign would cover key concerns that the public and business in the whole range of sectors have. Chapter eight of the Treasury's Outline National Changeover Plan provides further information. Copies of the Plan are available in the House Library.
MAFF would support Treasury efforts in relation to the industries which the Department sponsors.