§ Mr. MitchellTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the measures, and their objectives, which require, under article 109(5) of the Treaty of Union, the unanimous agreement of the United Kingdom and those states already participating in the euro area. [77661]
§ Ms HewittIn accordance with Article 109L(5) of the EC Treaty the Council would adopt the rate at which Sterling would be fixed irrevocably against the euro. The rate would require the unanimous agreement of the participating Member States and the UK. The Council, 205W acting under the same procedure would also take the other measures necessary for the introduction of the euro in the UK, including the detailed transitional arrangements.
§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps are being taken to ensure that euro coins minted throughout the EU can be used in vending machines. [77647]
§ Ms HewittEU Mint Directors, in association with member states, are developing a quality management system for euro coins. This will include procedures for regular consultation with the vending machine industry for testing vending mechanisms.