Terry Wynn's Letter from Strasburg EVERY time I read a newspaper or watch the news on TV the strength of the pound against the Euro seems to be the main item. There's every reason to be bothered when we see jobs being lost to Europe.

In a meeting I had with Toyota the other day they made the point that in order to keep their car prices down for export, they were asking for lower prices from their suppliers, who in turn were closing factories in the UK and producing at a lower cost in Europe. I read that Nissan had done the same. That situation had an effect on BMW/Rover and Ford.

Throughout the North West manufacturers are feeling the effect and workers suffering the consequences of a strong pound.

Yet in Europe it isn't a problem. Those 11 countries in the Euro zone are doing very nicely thank you. As our Euro sceptic press was ridiculing the fall in the value of the Euro, which has now settled at an acceptable level, the rest of Europe remained content. Content because the Germans would never have devalued the Mark by 10% or the French the Franc, but because they are tied to the Euro and have done so against the dollar and the pound it means they are exporting to us and the USA far more easily and loving every minute of it.

The head of the European Central Bank gave his annual report to us this week and made the point that for last year inflation in Euroland was at 1.1%, its lowest for 50 years, prices were stable, there was good economic growth and job creation and interest rates were still low.

For those in Europe the Euro is a success and the sooner the notes and coins come in to circulation in 2002 the better.

The Danes are like us, out of it and having a referendum. But they've started the public debate and the referendum is this Autumn. According to Danish colleagues of mine, now that the issue is being discussed fully the mood of scepticism is changing and it's looking good for a YES vote for the Euro.

As for us, I know most people are confused about the issue. But in the next couple of years it will be make your mind up time. If anyone would like more information they can contact my office on 01744 451609 and we will let them have a leaflet, or visit the web site of Britain in Europe on www.britainineurope.org.uk

This letter and lots more information are on my web site at www.terrywynn.com

TERRY WYNN MEP