ENGLAND's regions are to play a key role in preparing the country for the euro following the appointment of Yorkshire Forward chairman Sir Graham Hall to a key Government committee.

Sir Graham is one of four appointments to the Chancellor's Standing Committee on Euro Preparations.

The body was set up by Gordon Brown in October 1997 to prepare the UK for euro membership, monitor work programmes, engage with key stakeholders and ensure that the public sector is ready for changeover to the euro if a decision to join is taken.

Sir Graham, who represents the nine English regional development agencies (RDAs) on Treasury matters and is the lead RDA chairman, said his appointment would ensure the views of the English regions would be considered in any preparation for the adoption of the currency.

"We have long stressed that our key concern is the impact on regional economies and each region's businesses," he said.

"Regional development agencies, as business-led bodies, and responsible for more than £1.75bn of public spending, have a key role in communicating the views of business people to government - be they manufacturers, small businesses or multinational inward investors.

"My appointment by the Treasury will ensure their views are considered ahead of this important decision."

Sir Graham, who has also served on the Bank of England's Court of Directors for the past two years, said the RDAs would consider their own positions on the euro once a referendum is called.