HC Deb 28 April 1932 vol 265 cc562-3
36. Mr. DAVID GRENFELL

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he can give the House any information as to the counterfeit sixpences which are in circulation?

Major ELLIOT

While the number of counterfeit sixpences reported by the police in 1931 showed an increase over previous years, it remains quite trivial, the face value of counterfeit sixpences being £20 14s. 6d. against a circulation of about £5,000,000 worth of the genuine sixpences. I am advised that most of the counterfeits are too crudely made to be passed in ordinary circulation.

Mr. GRENFELL

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman cause the widest publicity to be given to the very reassuring statement that he has made this afternoon in order to prevent the apprehensions of the public?

Major ELLIOT

I think the question and answer will give the fullest publicity.

Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMS

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say how many of these counterfeit sixpences are found in Scotland?

Mr. CROSSLEY

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there are counterfeit half-crowns in existence?

Major ELLIOT

Yes, but a very small number in comparison with the increase that is taking place in the number of counterfeit sixpences.

Sir W. WAYLAND

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the better effect that would be created by the manufacturing of sixpences and half-crowns in real silver and not amalgam?

Major ELLIOT

No. I understand that these sixpences are mostly for use in automatic machines, which are not impressed by real silver any more than by counterfeit coins.

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