BOLTON West MP Ruth Kelly, the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, is to lead a Euro debate in Manchester later this month.

She is to speak at a meeting in the Crowne Plaza Midland Hotel, Manchester organised by the Manchester & District branch of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants in collaboration with the North West Euro Forum.

The subject will be The Practical Effects of the Euro on Business.

Euroland currencies such as the German mark and the Italian lira are set to disappear at the start of 2002 and be replaced with euro notes and coins.

UK exporters are being warned that they will have to adjust to the new situation -- even though Britain is still to make up its mind about joining.

The Prime Minister's references to the euro in his wide-ranging speech to the Labour Party conference this week has been interpreted as a hint that there could be a UK referendum on entry during this Parliament.

The second speaker at the Manchester event will be Toni Hankins, managing director of manufacturing and distribution company Rowe Hankins at Bury.

Mr Hankins, a Euro supporter, will discuss the internal challenges businesses will have to overcome and the strategic opportunities which can be gained from dealing in a single currency. Tickets (£15 including buffet) are available to all members of the business community. Tel: Jane Argent, 01925 600009.