HC Deb 30 October 2001 vol 373 c640W
Mr. Bercow

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what work his Department has undertaken to assess progress on meeting his five economic tests; which independent economists have been invited to contribute to the assessment; how many officials are involved; and when the assessment will be(a) completed and (b) published. [11098]

Ruth Kelly

I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 25 October 2001,Official Report, columns 372–73W.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish assessments made by the Treasury since 1997 of the economic consequences of UK membership of the euro. [10556]

Ruth Kelly

The Government have said that they will complete an assessment of the five economic tests within two years of the start of this Parliament.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the reasons for the United Kingdom not joining the euro. [10666]

Ruth Kelly

The Government's policy on membership of the single currency remains as set out by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in October 1997. The determining factor underpinning any Government decision on membership of the single currency is the national economic interest and whether the economic case for joining is clear and unambiguous.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if it is his policy to publish an assessment of the consequences for UK fiscal policy of(a) joining and (b) preparing to join the euro, in advance of a referendum on British membership of the euro. [10562]

Ruth Kelly

The Government have said that they will complete another assessment of the five tests within two years of the start of this Parliament.