Written question asked by Lord Maude of Horsham (Conservative) on Friday, 3 December 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 7 December 1999. It was answered by Melanie Johnson (Labour) on Tuesday, 7 December 1999 on behalf of the Treasury.

Treasury

Question: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what degree of labour market flexibility (a) within the UK and (b) between the UK and other EU countries would be sufficient to deal with the problems posed by asymmetric shocks were Britain to join the single currency. - Inc ref to 'UK Membership of the single currency, an assessment of the five economic tests', copies in Library.

Answer: Mr. Maude: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what degree of labour market flexibility (a) within the UK and (b) between the UK and other EU countries would be sufficient to deal with the problems posed by asymmetric shocks were Britain to join the single currency. [101819] Miss Melanie Johnson: I refer the right hon. Member to "UK Membership of the single currency, an assessment of the five economic tests", published by the Treasury in October 1997, copies of which are available in the Library.

Secondary information