HC Deb 07 November 2002 vol 392 cc766-7W
Mr. George Osborne

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with other EU finance Ministers about the stability and growth pact. [78241]

Ruth Kelly

The Government support a prudent interpretation of the Stability Pact, which takes into account the impact of the economic cycle, sustainability and the important role of public investment. We continue to discuss this with our EU colleagues.

Mr. Simon Thomas

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made on his five economic tests for euro entry of the effect of the operation of the stability and growth pact. [78249]

Ruth Kelly

The Government have consistently made clear that it supports a prudent interpretation of the Stability and Growth Pact that takes into account the economic cycle, sustainability and the important role of public investment.

Dr. Ladyman

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the differences between his rules governing the level of public spending and those operated within the stability pact adopted within the Eurozone. [78246]

Ruth Kelly

As set out in paragraph 2.65 of the Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report, the Budget 2002 projections are consistent with the Government's prudent interpretation of the Stability and Growth Pact which takes account of the economic cycle, sustainability and the important role of public investment (as specified in Article 104 of the EU Treaty).