§ 54. Mr. Thorneasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many nickel 3d. pieces were made during the past 12 1410 months; how many silver 3d. pieces were made; and which of the two are the more profitable to the Government; whether he intends having any more silver 3d. pieces made; and why no pennies have been made during the past 15 months?
§ Sir K. WoodDuring the 12 months ended 30th June, 1942, 110,000,000 nickel 3d. pieces were struck and 4,000,000 silver 3d. pieces. The nickel 3d. piece is the more profitable, and the production of silver 3d. pieces will continue to be severely restricted. The production of pennies has been suspended since 1940, with a view to saving imports of copper. This was explained in a reply which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for East Lewisham (Sir A. Pownall) on 19th June, 1940, and of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.