§ Sir Brian MawhinneyTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what specific steps he is taking more closely to align the United Kingdom's economic cycle with that of the countries in the euro group of the EU. [108869]
§ Miss Melanie Johnson[holding answer 7 February 2000]: The Government's policy on membership of the single currency remains as set out by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in October 1997.
The Government have introduced a programme of economic reforms, which by building a platform for greater stability are in the UK's national economic interest.
The Government have said they will recommend joining a successful single currency only if it is in our national economic interest to do so, and if the economic benefits to the UK, from joining, are clear and unambiguous.