Mr. Ruffiey:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the cost for each local authority in the East of England of implementing the guidance contained in Local Authorities: Euro Preparations Guidance—Part 1, June 2003. [131838]
§ Ruth Kelly:We expect no significant costs to local authorities at this stage. Local authorities would have a critical role to play during any changeover and as part of sensible business planning, in line with preparations in the wider public sector and across the economy, the guidance recommends that they should make preparations. All the evidence from the euro area suggests that early planning can significantly reduce costs.