HC Deb 21 February 1927 vol 202 c1379
13. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why some other king's head appears on the coins of Palestine instead of that of the King of England; when the change of coinage is to be made; what are to be the names of the new coins; whether the smallest coin will be called a millême or a farthing; and will the inscriptions he in English or Arabic?

Mr. AMERY

As regards the first part of the question, the currency at present in use in Palestine is Egyptian currency. This will be replaced by a new Palestine currency as soon as the latter is available, which will probably be by the autumn. The new coins will be the mil, or one thousandth of a Palestine pound, and multiples of the mil. The inscriptions will be in the three official languages of the country, English, Arabic and Hebrew.

Mr. BOOTHBY

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us what King's head is on the coins now?

Mr. AMERY

Yes—that of King Fuad, of Egypt.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Will the King of England's head appear on the new coinage?

Mr. AMERY

No. I think the design is without the King's head.

Colonel DAY

Will these coins be made at the mint in London?

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Yes, they will.

Mr. AMERY

They will be made London.