Peter Hain is touring Scotland in the latest stage of his national tour to promote the benefits of EU membership.

Downing Street was at pains to distance the prime minister from press reports that Hain had said the current world crisis had brought EU unity much closer. A spokesman repeated again on Monday that although the co-operation has helped build relations between European members, Britain would not hold a referendum on the European single currency until the chancellor's five economic tests had been met.

The minister for Europe is joined by his Dutch counterpart, Dick Benschop for a live radio phone in in Edinburgh.

Later on Monday, Hain gives evidence to the Scottish parliament's European committee - a first for a Westminster minister.

"For too long the debate on Europe in Britain and Scotland has been dominated by the myths and stories promoted by eurosceptics. I am coming to Scotland to put across some facts. It is time for the case for positive and confident engagement in Europe to be made. I will be putting forward the patriotic case for positive engagement in Europe," he said.

Scotland's MSPs are inquiring into the governance of the EU and the future of Europe. The committee is set to launch a Scottish debate on the EU and its convener, Hugh Henry said: "As a small nation on the geographic periphery of Europe, it is vital that this Parliament gives voice to our citizens and organisations. This inquiry will offer the opportunity to express our opinions on the future of the EU itself and the impact it has on our daily lives."

The MSPs are also set to discuss a draft report into "the preparation for, and policy implications of, the single currency in Scotland" in private session.