HC Deb 09 March 1999 vol 327 cc115-6W
Mr. Maclean

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 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. [73588]

Mr. George Robertson

Any 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. Maclean

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 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. [73668]

Mr. George Robertson

The Treasury 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 information campaign would cover key concerns that the public and business may have. Chapter eight of the Treasury's Outline National Changeover Plan provides further information. Copies of the Plan are available in the Library of the House.