Written question asked by Lord Brady of Altrincham (Conservative) on Thursday, 3 February 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 8 February 2005. It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 February 2005 on behalf of the Treasury.

Treasury

Question: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many officials have worked on the changeover plan for British euro membership since 9th June 2003; how many officials' man-hours were spent on the plan; what cost has been incurred; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Brady: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many officials have worked on the changeover plan for British euro membership since 9 June 2003; how many officials' man-hours were spent on the plan; what cost has been incurred; and if he will make a statement. [215179] Mr. Timms: As part of the policy of "prepare and decide", the Government are committed to ensuring that the UK retains a genuine option to join the single currency if that is what the Government, Parliament and the people in a referendum decide. The Euro Preparations Unit in the Treasury works with stakeholders from across the economy to ensure that euro preparations are at an appropriate level. Information on the number of officials and working hours spent on the "third Outline National Changeover Plan" published in June 2003 cannot be separately identified. The costs are met from within the Treasury's three-year departmental expenditure limits.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 430 c1402-3W; 215179
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Costs Civil servants Economic and monetary union Staff Working hours Euro Preparations Unit
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk