Single European Currency

HC Deb 08 November 2001 vol 374 cc401-2W

Mr. Laurence Robertson

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the Government's plans to hold a referendum on joining the single European currency. [11346]

Ruth Kelly

The Government's policy on membership of the single currency remains as set out by the Chancellor in October 1997 and restated by the Prime Minster in February 1999. The Government have said they will complete an assessment of the five economic tests within two years of the start of this Parliament. Once the assessment has been completed, the Government will make a decision on UK membership of the single currency. If the Government recommend UK entry, it will be put to a vote in Parliament and then to a referendum of the British people.