Euro: Support for Joining

Lord Rooker Excerpts

Monday 9th May 2016 Lords Chamber

[Lord Ashton of Hyde]

My Lords, it depends on who my noble friend has been listening to. The Treasury assessment and analysis was clear at the time that it was not in Britain’s interest to join the euro. Many other experts, such as the Governor of the Bank of England, the IMF and the OECD, also raised concerns about Britain joining the euro. They are now unanimous that Britain should remain in the EU.

[Lord Rooker (Lab)]

Why did the Minister not tell his noble friend that this Question has nothing whatever to do with ministerial responsibility? It would be quite sinister if the Minister said he could publish such a list, rather than saying that the Government will not publish such a list. I cannot understand why this Question was allowed on the Order Paper.

[Lord Ashton of Hyde]

My Lords, one reason is that I did not think of it. Secondly, I am not responsible for the Questions that are tabled in this House.