In an interview with the FT, Neil Kinnock has said that a British vote on euro membership could be delayed until late 2005 or 2006.

The European Commission vice president said that the assessment of the government's five tests could show that more time is needed before making a final judgement.

"I think the answer to the tests will be yes, but when certain things have been accomplished," he said.

The paper also reports that donations to Britain in Europe, the pro-euro campaign group, rose by 29 per cent in 2001/02 to £1.34 million.

And economic growth would be four per cent higher after 20 years if Britain joined the single currency, according to Ray Barrel of the National Institute of Economic and Social Research.