HC Deb 09 November 1937 vol 328 cc1580-2
51. Sir W. Davison

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the total number of the new 3d. pieces which have recently been issued; and whether he has any information as to the cause for their disappearance from general circulation?

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Lieut.-Colonel Colville)

Over 33,000,000 of the new 3d. pieces have so far been issued. This is, however, not yet so large a number as to ensure that they pass freely from hand to hand, and apart from this large numbers of the coins appear to have been retained by the public as novelties. Further issues are being made as rapidly as practicable, at the rate of about 1¼ million pieces a week.

Sir W. Davison

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman make it clear that these issues are to continue, so that people will not hoard these coins with the idea that they may become valuable?

Mr. Levy

Is it true that all these coins issued have, so far, been accumulated in Scotland?

Lieut.-Colonel Colville

In reply to the first supplementary question, I think my original answer will make it clear that the issue of these coins is to continue, and it should not therefore be considered necessary to retain them as souvenirs. In answer to the second supplementary question, it may interest the House to know that none of these coins has been issued in Scotland at all. The small silver threepenny piece is preferred in Scotland.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister aware that most of these coins have gone to America because the Americans think they are antiques?

Mr. McGovern

Is the Minister aware that the statement that these coins have not been issued in Scotland is incorrect; that they have been issued from most of the large establishments in Glasgow and that they have been retained as souvenirs?

Lieut.-Colonel Colville

The hon. Member is in error. I am in a position to know where the issue to banks took place, and in fact these 33,000,000 coins were not issued in Scotland but about 3,500,000 small silver threepenny pieces have been issued in Scotland.

Mr. Davidson

Does the Minister recognise that eight of these coins would make 2s., which would be a very welcome addition to the income of the unemployed?

Forward to