HC Deb 20 July 2000 vol 354 cc307-8W
17. Dr. Julian Lewis

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he has taken to measure public opinion on the question of the United Kingdom joining the single European currency. [130144]

Mr. Timms

The Government receive a large number of letters from members of the public expressing their views about UK membership of the single currency. The Government also have access to independent surveys of public opinion on UK membership, which are in the public domain.

The Government's policy on membership of the single currency remains as set out by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his statement to the house in October 1997 and restated recently in his speech at the Mansion House.

25. Miss McIntosh

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary about the UK's eventual membership of a European single currency. [130153]

Miss Melanie Johnson

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer meets Cabinet colleagues to discuss a range of issues. The Government's policy towards the single currency has not changed and will not change. We will only recommend joining a successful single currency if it is in our national economic interest to do so, and if the economic case for the UK joining is clear and unambiguous. The Treasury will make another assessment of the five economic tests early in the next Parliament.

29. Mr. Brooke

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues concerning his policy on the euro. [130157]

Mr. Timms

The Chancellor meets with his colleagues to discuss a range of issues.

35. Tony Wright

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will commission an independent assessment at the appropriate time of whether the five economic tests for entry into the single currency have been met. [130163]

Miss Melanie Johnson

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 5 July 2000,Official Report, column 200W.

36. Mr. Fallon

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received on his policy on the euro. [130164]

Mr. Timms

I frequently receive representations on a range of Government policies including the Government's policy on the euro.