HL Deb 03 April 2000 vol 611 c107WA
Lord Harrison

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What will be the positive and negative effects over the next decade on Britain's microbusiness (small and medium-sized enterprises 0–10) of the advent of the euro, whether or not the United Kingdom adopts the euro; and [HL1619]

What will be the positive and negative effects over the next decade on Britain's small and medium-sized enterprises of the advent of the euro, whether or not Britain adopts the euro; and [HL1620]

What will be the positive and negative effects over the next decade on Britain's vending and coin-operated industries of the advent of the euro, whether or not Britain adopts the euro; and [HL1621]

What will be the positive and negative effects over the next decade on Britain's mortgage and insurance industries of the advent of the euro, whether or not the United Kingdom adopts the euro. [HL1622]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

The launch of the euro in 11 European Union (EU) countries has implications for UK firms of all sizes across a number of business sectors. That is why the Government established the Euro Preparations Unit (EPU). Since its inception in December 1997, EPU has run a national business information campaign on the euro and published euro factsheets and case studies, which help small and medium sized enterprises in particular to take account of the euro now that it is a business reality. Further information can be found in the Treasury's regular euro progress reports, the most recent of which was published in November 1999. Copies of these reports are available in the Library of the House.