§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Pericles programme will cover euro-counterfeiting in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [12971]
§ Ruth KellyThe Pericles programme will cover euro-counterfeiting in all member states, including the United Kingdom.
Counterfeiting of any currency is a serious criminal offence in the United Kingdom. The Government are committed to the principle of protection of the euro against counterfeiting, and to take action to support and supplement anti-counterfeiting measures with appropriate staff training and sharing of information. It is important that the United Kingdom should contribute to efforts to develop and share best practice among member states.