"NO" campaigners have welcomed a British Chambers of Commerce poll showing most members against signing up to the euro.

The poll asked a sample of chamber members what they would prefer to do if the Government announced that the Chancellor's five economic tests had been met.

It found that 49 per cent thought Britain should not join but continue to wait and see, 35 per cent though we should join, and 13 per cent thought we should never join.

John Keating, chairman of the No campaign in southern England and a member of Southampton and Fareham chamber of commerce, welcomed the findings.

He said: "This poll reflects the results of local chamber polls and debates and sends a clear message to the Government that business doesn't want the euro, even if they say the five tests have been met."

Many members thought signing up to the euro would mean more red tape, higher taxation, weaker Government control over the British economy. The poll also found that 66 per cent are making no preparations for changeover to the euro.