Two surveys of business attitudes to the European single currency have produced entirely contradictory results.

One poll finds most British businesses believe Tony Blair should call a euro referendum within the next 12 months.

The survey of 1000 businesses, carried out by business information firm kompass.co.uk, found that three quarters wanted a referendum to be held before the end of 2003.

But another poll by ICM for "No" campaigners found the opposite - with 80 per cent of bosses cool on the prospect of a euro referendum in this parliament.

The kompass poll found a clear majority of businesses, six out of 10, believing they would benefit from membership of the euro.

A signal contradicted by ICM pollsters who showed 66 per cent of bosses wanting to keep the pound.