62. Mr. Murrayasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the shortage of copper coins; and will he take steps to increase the supply.
§ Sir J. AndersonNo, Sir. Seasonal causes commonly involve some adjustments between local supplies of bronze coin at this time of year, but I am not aware of any general shortage. Pence are being issued on a limited, but considerable, scale in accordance with my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for East Lewisham (Sir A. Pownall) on 20th April last. Ample supplies of half-pence and farthings have been issued.
Mr. MurrayIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that banks, incorporated societies, shops and trams and buses are all having 1794 very great difficulty in carrying on, owing to the want of coppers?
§ Sir J. AndersonNo, I am not aware of that.
§ Mr. GallacherIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the shortage of coppers affects particularly old age pensioners and that in their case it is not seasonal but continual?