§ 43. Mr. Stourtonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the first issue of the designs now in use of £5, £1 and 10s. notes was made; and the nominal value of forged currency notes of each denomination withdrawn from circulation since these issues were made.
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir John Anderson)In reply to the first part of the Question, the present designs of the £1 and 10s, notes were introduced in 1928 and that of the £5 note in 1855. It would involve a very disproportionate amount of labour to extract the information asked for in the second part of the Question, but the number of forgeries received is insignificant.
§ Mr. StourtonIs my right hon. Friend aware that the making of a new issue of notes and the invalidation of the old issue is long overdue now in order to counter the activities of the forgers and tax evaders?
§ Sir J. AndersonThat is a matter which has not escaped attention.
§ Mr. StourtonArising out of that unsatisfactory reply, I give notice that I will raise the subject on the Adjournment at the first opportunity.