55. Mr. Rostron Duckworthasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the names of the countries in which the national monetary unit is divided on the decimal system; and whether he is 642 prepared to set up a small committee of experts to report on the most convenient procedure to be followed in order to decimalise the British coinage.
§ Sir J. AndersonTo ensure complete accuracy a full answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's question would entail a good deal of research, but it will perhaps serve his purpose if I say that a list of the countries whose monetary system is divided on the decimal basis would be a long one. In reply to the second part of the Question, I cannot agree to the committee he proposes because, as my previous Answers on this subject have shown, I am not prepared to consider the decimalisation of our coinage.
Mr. DuckworthWould my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the decimalisation of our coinage is strongly urged by the Associated Chambers of Commerce, not only in the United Kingdom but through the Empire?
§ Sir Alfred BeitIs it not a fact that the £ in both Egypt and Palestine is on a decimal basis?
§ Sir J. AndersonI can only say that to change to a decimal basis would involve such an upheaval as could not be contemplated in present circumstances.