HC Deb 12 February 2001 vol 363 cc27-8W
Mrs. Lait

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what programme of work has been undertaken by his Department and agencies for which his Department is responsible as part of the national changeover plan for preparation for the UKs entry to the euro at current exchange rates; and if he will make a statement. [148411]

Angela Eagle

The Department is conducting work in accordance with the guidance given in the Outline National Changeover Plans and reported in the Fourth Report on Euro Reparations published on 6 November 2000.

Mrs. Lait

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the cost of reprinting documents issued by his Department and its executive agencies to replace sterling entries with entries in euros. [148409]

Angela Eagle

In the event of UK entry to the single currency any changes to documents would be dealt with through existing contractual arrangements as part of a normal reprint cycle.

Mrs. Lait

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the changes required in the Governments benefits system which would be necessary as a result of a changeover to the euro. [148413]

Angela Eagle

In the event of the UK entering the single currency, benefits systems would not require rule changes although IT system changes would be required to convert amounts in accordance with EU and UK legislation.

Mrs. Lait

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the cost at current exchange rates of changing his Departments, and agencies for which his Department is responsible, computer systems in preparation for the euro. [148408]

Angela Eagle

Should the UK decide to enter the single currency, costs will depend on the approach taken and this is not yet known. There are currently no plans to change existing computer systems prior to a Referendum.

Mrs. Lait

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what consultants his Department is using to advise on the implications and implementation of the changeover plan to the euro; and what budget has been set aside for this purpose. [148412]

Angela Eagle

A number of private sector companies contribute to the normal operational running of the Department. Where appropriate as part of the normal arrangements, consultants in these roles have contributed to preparatory analysis work. No specific budget has been set aside and any costs are contained within the figure published in the Fourth Report on Euro Preparations.

Mrs. Lait

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the cost of training staff in his Department and executive agencies for which his Department is responsible in preparation for the euro, at current prices and exchange rates. [148410]

Angela Eagle

In the event of the UK entering the single currency, costs will depend on the approach taken and this is not yet known. No estimate for the cost of training has been made.