YORK MP Hugh Bayley appeared on North of Westminster on BBC 2 yesterday to extol the virtues of the Euro.
Mr Bayley, a former Government minister, told viewers that there were advantages and disadvantages to joining a single European currency - but the benefits outweighed the problems.
"There are 314,00 jobs in Yorkshire which depend on trade with businesses in the eurozone," he told the Evening Press.
"The public will warm to the euro when it comes in next year as a real currency visible in other countries when on holiday.
"If we don't join there will be currency conversion charges that will work against British businesses dealing with European partners."
He said that being outside the eurozone would make it difficult for companies to plan ahead, due to currency fluctuations.
"Membership of the single currency scheme is a win-win situation for British and Yorkshire business," he said.
Mr Bayley came head-to-head on the programme with Sir Neville Trotter, a former Tory MP, who opposes Britain taking up the euro.
Updated: 14:30 Monday, December 17, 2001
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