HC Deb 14 June 1928 vol 218 c1162
42. Lieut.-Colonel WINDSOR-CLIVE

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury why it was thought necessary to have a new coinage, seeing that the effigy of His Majesty is the same both on the old and the new coinage?

Mr. SAMUEL

The Standing Committee, which advises the Master of the Mint on designs, advised that from the artistic point of view the new designs for the reverse show a distinct improvement upon the designs which they have now superseded. They further advised that from the technical point of view they are better adapted than the old designs for easy and economical minting and would prove sharper in detail and more durable in circulation.

Lieut.-Colonel WINDSOR-CLIVE

Does the hon. Gentleman think that, from an artistic point of view, the new coinage is any improvement on the old?

Mr. SAMUEL

That is a decision at which it is very difficult for me to arrive.

Sir GODFREY DALRYMPLE-WHITE

Is it not a part of the Government's policy to help the producer?