NISSAN'S support for the euro is well documented. Like all businesses operating in dozens of countries, it prefers to deal in as few currencies as possible.

However, Britain's self-imposed exile from the single currency will not necessarily be to the detriment of Nissan's plant in Sunderland, or to the thousands of people who rely on it for their livelihood.

We recall three years ago that Nissan had grave reservations about Britain's attitude to the euro, yet still opted to build the new Micra at Sunderland.

These same reservations, now expressed by Nissan chief executive Carlos Ghosn, do not automatically mean that the new Almera will be built elsewhere.

While Mr Ghosn's pro-euro stance may be sincere, it is feasible that he may be trying to lever as much support as possible from the British Government to help fund the next programme of investment at Sunderland.

That the plant's proven record is one of the most productive in the world will have more bearing on Nissan's ultimate decision than the risk of fluctuations in exchange rates.

Whether or not Britain joins the euro must not be determined by the likes of Carlos Ghosn, but by the people of this country. The decision must not be based on the self-interest of multi-national businesses, but on the best interests of our nation.

But it is important that the decision is made as soon as possible. The overriding threat to future investment in this country is not our exclusion from the single currency, but the continued dithering over whether we will join the euro or not.