18 June 2001, 12:21  UK euro tests to be assessed within two yrs-Brown

LONDON, June 18 - Britain's finance minister Gordon Brown reiterated on Monday that he would complete his assessment of five economic tests for Britain's entry of Europe's single currency within the next two years.
"The Treasury is compiling an assessment and that of course will be completed within two years. As the prime minister has said it will be rigorous and comprehensive," Brown told BBC radio.
If the five economic tests -- on convergence with the euro zone and the impact of euro membership on jobs and investment -- are judged to me met the decision to enter would need to be approved by both the cabinet of ministers and parliament before being put to a national referendum, Brown added.
But Brown declined to say whether assessment of the euro tests, which he devised in 1997, had already started.
"We have to consider these matters very carefully indeed...These are very big matters affecting the future of the British economy and the European economy," he said.

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