To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the cost will be to local authorities of implementing the recommendations in Local Authorities Euro Preparations Guidance , issued by HM Treasury in June 2003.

Local authorities would have a critical role to play during any changeover to the euro. The guidance issued by HM Treasury and Office of the Deputy Prime Minister suggests a number of high-level business, technical and communications issues that local authorities should consider to assist in their euro preparations. The nature of this work is similar to that which other public sector bodies have undertaken which has not required incremental additional expenditure.

Following the chancellor’s statement on 9 June 2003, a Scottish Euro Preparations Committee has been established. The role of the committee will be to provide leadership on euro preparations in Scotland. COSLA will represent local authorities on this committee.