No 10 cool on talk of euro poll

DOWNING Street was trying to dampen expectations of a euro referendum in October next year after a leak of discussions involving Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The disclosure came in an interview given by George Foulkes, the former international aid minister, who is on the board of the main group campaigning in favour of the euro, Britain in Europe. 'I have spoken to the Prime Minister,' said the MP. 'Our working assumption is autumn of next year and we are looking at October.'

But Government sources insisted no decision had been made. 'There are five economic tests that need to be met and that remains the case,' said a spokesman.

George Eustice, director of the anti-euro No Campaign, claimed the economic tests were a smokescreen for a political decision. 'Tony Blair should call a referendum and let voters judge,' he said.