THE decision as to whether Britain should join the European single currency is momentous. It has economic, political and constitutional repercussions of epic proportions.

The Government's chosen course of action to scrutinise the options has been wise.

However, the purpose of further scrutiny is difficult to comprehend.

As a concept, the euro has been in place for four years. As a currency, it has been in the pockets of people in 12 countries for 16 months.

There has been ample time to assess its performance, and weigh up its advantages and disadvantages.

We are promised the Government's assessment on June 9, but it is unlikely there will be a firm recommendation or a firm date for a referendum.

In essence, the Government is expected to duck the issue, putting off the decision for another day.

We urge ministers to put an end to the dithering.

There are signs, particularly in manufacturing, that investment decisions are being postponed until the euro debate is settled.

Uncertainty is a factor which depresses economic activity. A firm decision - a simple yes or no - on the euro will provide a fillip for some of our most hard-pressed industrial sectors.

Let's run with this

BY agreeing to host the 1948 Games at the eleventh hour, London preserved the Olympic movement. It is time for the movement to repay that debt of gratitude by awarding the 2012 Games to the city.

We endorse the Government's decision to support London's bid.

It is easy to point to Olympics which brought financial disaster to host cities. But it is also easy to point to cities like Barcelona and Sydney which have flourished because of their vision and courage to stage the world's greatest sporting occasion.

It is vital that the whole country, including our region, backs the bid. Every part of the country will benefit from a London Games.

The bidding process gives Britain the opportunity to show the world it is a sporting nation. We need to shed the negative image which has dogged us since the debacles over Wembley, Picketts Lock and the football World Cup bid.