HC Deb 13 June 1928 vol 218 cc990-1
57. Mr. MAXTON

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that medals to commemorate Empire Day, 1918, were struck at the Royal Mint; what number of medals were struck; whether any of the medals were distributed gratis to the children in the public elementary schools; whether the manufacture of the medals resulted in a profit or a loss to the public funds; and whether t is in accordance with precedent that a representation of the head of the Heir Apparent should appear on the obverse of the medal instead of the head of the reigning Sovereign?

Mr. SAMUEL

Approximately 37,000 medals commemorative of Empire Day, 1928, were struck at the Royal Mint to the order of the British Empire Union; I have no knowledge of the conditions under which the medals were distributed by the Union. The prices quoted for these medals by the Mint were fixed on the basis of a fair profit. I am not aware that precedent requires the use of the effigy of the reigning Sovereign on medals 13 this character.

Mr. HARRIS

Can a labour or propaganda organisation get medals struck at the Royal Mint?

Mr. SAMUEL

I cannot answer that question without notice.

Mr. MAXTON

Does the manufacture of such a small quantity as 37,000 medals make a profitable commercial proposition for the Mint?

Mr. SAMUEL

Yes, Sir. The prices quoted are estimated to bear a fair profit.

Mr. MAXTON

Could nothing have been done to stimulate a wider interest in the Empire than is represented by the 37,000 medals?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

May I ask where the medal commemorating the literary epic of the Chancellor of the Exchequer was struck?