Business and the Euro

• Final weighted data
• Sample size 753
• 9-25 September 1998
• Interviews with UK Businesses with more than 10 employees
• Respondent: Chairman/MD/Main Board Director
• * = 0.5% but greater than zero
• Base = All respondents unless stated

Q1 Do you think that the economic condition of the country will improve, stay the same, or get worse over the next 12 months?

Q2 Over the next 12 months, do you think that your organisation's business will improve, stay the same, or get worse?

Q3 On balance, do you think that the interests of British business would be best served if Britain stayed in the EU, or if it withdrew?

Q4-5 "As you may know, the member states of the European Union have agreed that the new European single currency - the euro" - will be launched on 1 January 1999 with 11 EU countries participating. The UK government has made a commitment to join in principle when the conditions are right, but has not specified a target entry date. How well informed do you feel about....

Q6-Q8 I am now going to read out some things that people have said might happen if Britain does join the European single currency. For each one I read out, please tell me to what extent you agree or disagree.

Q9 If Britain were to join the single european currency, do you think it would be good for Britain's economy, it would be bad for Britain's economy, or it would make no difference?

Q10 And thinking now about your own business, which of the following do you think will be best for your company at the present time - joining the euro as soon as possible, joining the euro after the next general election, or never joining the euro?

Q11Should join Euro / should remain out of Euro. Why do you say that....?

Q12 Is your company British or foreign-owned?

Q13 If the UK decides not to join the euro for the foreseeable future, do you think that it will make your company more likely to invest in Britain, less likely, or will it make no difference to your company's plans? Base: Foreign-Owned [197]

Q14 Is your company currently taking any action in response to the launch of the single European currency?

Q15 What action have you taken/are you taking? Base: All taking action (336)

Q16 At present, the rate of the pound (163) to the Deutschmark (DM) is around 2.9. If Britain were to join the single European currency early in the next century, what do you feel would be the most likely new exchange rate?

Q17 And what do you feel would be the ideal exchange rate between the pound (163) and the Deutschmark (DM)?

Q18 And if Britain were to decide not to join the single European currency early in the next century, do you think that interest rates would be higher, lower, or about the same as they would be if Britain were to participate in the euro?

Q19 How likely do you think it is that your organisation will regularly use a single European Currency and coinage in your business by the year 2010?