BUSINESSES are being deprived of information about the single currency, according to the Chamber of Commerce for Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Two seminars are planned this week as part of the organisation's aim of explaining the issues.

"The Government isn't saying anything about the euro, even though it's very important for everyone, regardless of their opinions about it," said Peter Morgan, the Chamber's spokesman.

"We'll be dealing with the euro from next January, when countries such as France, German and Holland replace their national currencies.

"There's been a lot of talk about the single currency, but it's been very political and there's a real lack of objectivity. That's why we're holding seminars that stick to the facts, are apolitical and impartial."

He said the Chamber's 3,000 members appeared split - as was the case in Chambers across Britain - about whether the country should join "Euroland".

"The last survey dates from the three months up to March 2001. Forty-one per cent of members who responded were in favour of joining the euro while 59 per cent were against."

Of those who believed Britain ought to throw its hat into the ring, 22 per cent wanted to join the euro next year.

Another 41 per cent thought the move should be made within two years, and a further 29 per cent in between three and five years' time.

Eight per cent said they were keen on the principle of monetary union, but thought it should be ruled out "for the foreseeable future".

Ten per cent of the businesses quizzed in the quarterly survey failed to indicate their views on the single currency.

Seminars on the euro have been arranged for this Wednesday, at Hereford's Three Counties Hotel, and Thursday, at Bromsgrove's Golf Centre.

They will run between 7.45-10.30am and cost £25 a place. Anyone interested in a booking should call the Chamber on 0800 104010.