Europe's top banker will axe the Queen's head from bank notes if Britain joins the single currency.

But it is not just the Queen and Britain being targetted by the President of the European Central Bank.

Wim Duisenberg has outlawed all the symbols of all nations from euro notes.

The decision overturns the wishes of European Union governments. Euro-MPS outside the UK are reportedly fuming.

France wanted Moliere, Monet, or President de Gaulle for their notes. Mozart was likely to be the choice among Austrians.

So should a Dutch eurocrat be allowed to trample on national pride in this way? Why shouldn't member states retain some small mark of individuality in the melting pot of Europe?

Many people - both Euro sceptics and supporters alike - believe it is only reasonable.

Conservative Party leader William Hague said the Queen's head was "a powerful symbol of independence."

Many others say national emblems show the right of nations to act in their own interest.

But many others agree with Wim Duisenberg. They say neutral banknotes are a small sacrifice to make for the benefits of nations working together as one.

Some point out the convenience of using the same note anywhere on the continent. Others say the critics are making a fuss about nothing.

National leaders' heads will still be allowed on coins. But the Maastricht Treaty said the ECB should try to respect the existing designs of bank notes.

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