HC Deb 18 May 2000 vol 350 cc255-6W
13. Mr. Bercow

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the cost of the National Changeover Plan. [121384]

Miss Melanie Johnson

The second Outline National Changeover Plan was published in March. It showed that by the end of February 2000, the public sector as a whole had spent around £6.3 million on planning for the possibility of the UK joining the single currency, mainly in the DSS and the revenue Departments.

Without preparation, the UK would not have a practical option to join the single currency. The Government are committed to giving the British people a genuine choice.

25. Mr. Clappison

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on progress with the National Changeover Plan. [121396]

Miss Melanie Johnson

Progress on national changeover planning was reported in the Government's second Outline National Changeover Plan which was published on 9 March. Copies of the Plan are available in the Library. We are now working with our partners in the business, public and voluntary sectors to take forward the next steps set out in the Plan.

38. Miss Kirkbride

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received on the cost of the National Changeover Plan. [121409]

Miss Melanie Johnson

The Government work with a wide range of organisations from the private, public and voluntary sectors on changeover planning. A list of the private and voluntary sector organisations involved in Working Groups is given on page 57 of the second Outline National Changeover Plan, published on 9 March.