HC Deb 24 July 2002 vol 389 cc1198-9W
Mr. Redwood

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what rate of entry he regards as suitable to join the euro. [72900]

Ruth Kelly

1 refer the right hon. Member to the answer given by the then Financial Secretary, Mr. Boateng on 3 July 2001,Official Report, column 125W.

Mr. Redwood

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has obtained EU permission to enter the euro without first rejoining the ERM, subject to a referendum. [72898]

Ruth Kelly

The Government has no intention of rejoining the ERM.

Paddy Tipping

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of British overseas trade in 2001 took place using the euro. [72923]

Ruth Kelly

Customs and Excise conduct an annual survey of trade invoices used by British business for the import and export of goods between the UK and the rest of the world. The survey indicates the extent to which UK traders use the euro as a means of payment for international trade.

The results for 2001 are not yet available. They will be detailed in the next Press Release. now scheduled for the 30 July 2002.

Mr. Greg Knight

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the total cost involved to date in collating, drafting, completing and publishing the National Changeover Plan. [72948]

Ruth Kelly

Details of expenditure on changeover planning were included in the Sixth Report on Euro Preparations, published on 18 July 2002. Copies of the report are in the Library of the House.

Mr. Redwood

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the period the UK should hold steady at his preferred rate for joining the euro before holding a referendum. [72899]

Ruth Kelly

I refer the right hon. Member to the comments made by the then Chief Secretary, Andrew Smith on 24 JanuaryOfficial Report, column 992–93.