British Prime Minister Tony Blair says his government, if re-elected, will decide within the first two years of the next parliament whether the country has met the economic tests for joining the euro.
Mr Blair was replying to a question from Tory leader William Hague, who asked whether a pledge to take the euro decision 'early' in the next parliament meant within two years.
'Early in the next parliament means exactly what it says,' Mr Blair said. 'Early in the next parliament would of course be within two years.'
He added that the decision would not be taken immediately following a general election, but he would not be more specific. He is widely expected to call an election this spring.
The British PM reiterated that if the government decided Britain had met the economic tests set by the government for joining the euro the final decision would be for the British people in a referendum.
