The German Finance Minister, Mr Hans Eichel, was reported yesterday as saying the euro will probably become a parallel currency in a number of countries, including Britain.

"The euro will, given the enormous economic power behind it, become a parallel currency in many countries especially in Europe, or even become the only really accepted currency, depending on the condition of the country," Mr Eichel told Der Spiegel magazine.

He said Balkan countries were likely to use euros as a parallel currency. "Switzerland too will probably have the euro as a second currency alongside its franc. And I suspect Britain will experience that as well."

Der Spiegel released a copy of the interview in advance of publication in next week's edition.

Mr Peter Hain, a minister at the UK Foreign Office, urged British shops and businesses on Thursday to accept euro notes and coins being introduced in 12 other European Union countries from January 1st.

Mr Hain, generally more outspoken in favour of the euro than some other senior British ministers, said top British shops such as Dixons Group Plc, Virgin, Waitrose and Marks and Spencer and others were ready to accept euro notes and coins.

"We would rather people spent their euros in London than Berlin", he added.

In comments seen as stepping up the British government's pro-euro message, Mr Hain highlighted how France secured more manufacturing projects than Britain.

Downing Street and the Foreign Office are hoping the introduction of euro notes and coins will help to reverse British public scepticism about the singe currency ahead of a possible euro referendum.