HC Deb 14 August 1916 vol 85 cc1404-5
32. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether Treasury notes are accepted as legal tender in Scotland by post offices; and, if so, why Scottish bank notes are not accepted except at a discount in England?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

Under the provisions of the Currency and Bank Notes Act, 1914, currency notes issued by the Treasury are legal tender throughout the United Kingdom. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave him on the 7th instant.

Mr. HOGGE

Why cannot my right hon. Friend make that rule applicable to Scottish notes in England?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

That is quite impossible; Scottish notes were not legal tender before the War; they were only made-legal tender in Scotland for the time being.

Mr. HOGGE

Is it the case that Scottish notes were not legal tender before the War?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

No, Sir.

Mr. HOGGE

You said so just now.

33. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he will make a provisional arrangement for the duration of the War whereby men in uniform can receive full value for Scottish bank notes at any post office?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

As regards the question of the encashment of Scottish notes at English post offices, I fear I cannot add anything to my previous replies on this subject, but I will communicate with the War Office and ascertain whether in the case of Scottish soldiers any further facilities for cashing Scottish notes in other parts of the United Kingdom can be given through Army paymasters.

Mr. HOGGE

Is my right hon. Friend aware that if you present an English note in such a condition that the number appears on it you can get 20s. for it, whereas it you present a Scottish note which is defaced you do not get full value for it? Why have English notes this preference?