HC Deb 10 July 1952 vol 503 cc1508-9
38. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether a special issue of 5s. pieces will be minted for the Coronation year.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply to a Question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Berwick and East Lothian (Major Anstruther-Gray) on 29th May.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Will the Financial Secretary bear in mind that the Festival of Britain issue of 5s. pieces last year was both lucrative and popular, and that if he adopts this suggestion it will provide an acceptable and worthwhile Coronation souvenir out of which he will make money in more senses of the word than one?

Mr. Langford-Holt

Will my hon. Friend consider the issue of a distinctive set of all coins, because this would have a definite export value apart from anything else?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

If my hon. Friend will refer to the answer to which I referred the hon. and gallant Member, he will see that the matter is under consideration.

Mr. Follick

Is the Minister aware that in many parts of this country the 5s. piece is looked upon as being decidedly unlucky and that many people refuse to accept it? Further, in the event of an entirely new currency being minted, there is difficulty in distinguishing between a 4s. piece and a 5s. piece.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

All relevant considerations will be borne in mind but, speaking for myself, I regard the possession of any piece of currency as lucky.

Mr. Gaitskell

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the minting of the 5s. piece for the Festival of Britain earned a large profit for the Treasury?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Yes, Sir.