HM Treasury News Release
83/97                                                          
                                               17 July 1997
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       GORDON BROWN CALLS FOR SERIOUS DEBATE ON EUROPE 

In order to promote a better informed and reasoned debate
about Economic and Monetary Union, the Chancellor Gordon Brown
has today published a report by David Currie on the pros and
cons of EMU. 

The report, a summary of a paper published by the Economist
Intelligence Unit, should not be interpreted as setting out
the Government's views on a single currency, rather it is an
excellent survey of the issues. 

Speaking to the Royal Institute for International Affairs in
London, Gordon Brown said:

"The Government's concern about the single currency has always
been that Britain should only join if the economic decisions
are right, not on the basis of a timetable that has been set
politically.

To make the right decision for Britain, we need an open and
intelligent debate on the single currency. British business
will be affected whether Britain joins the first wave or not. 

To help launch a more constructive and informed debate, David
Currie has produced a summary of his survey which the Treasury
is publishing today.

To help businesses, I shall be publishing next week a guide to
the practical implications of EMU. In addition, I shall be
setting up an Advisory Group to bring together business
representatives to talk with the Government about the
practical implications of the single currency. 

My overriding aim is to help British business make the most of
opportunities in Europe, whether or not the UK joins."



NOTES TO EDITORS

Individual copies of David Currie's report are available free
to members of the public on request from the Treasury's Public
Enquiry Unit on 0171 270 4860/4870. Copies are being sent to
sixth forms, universities, libraries, Trade Associations,
Business Groups and Trade Unions. It will also be placed on
the Treasury's Internet site. Orders for multiple copies may
be charged at cost. 

Details of the practical guide for businesses and the Advisory
Group will be announced next week.