§ 46. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, as a measure of economy and convenience, he will recommend the abolition of the half-crown piece.
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. R. A. Butler)Half-crowns, like other coins, are struck in the quantities demanded by the banks, which reflect the needs of the public. In 1951, in response to the banks' demands, about one-fifth (by value) of the year's issue of cupronickel coins consisted of half-crowns. This suggests that the coin could not be abolished without causing some inconvenience to the public.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIs the Chancellor aware that this proposal would reduce the innumerable mistakes and arguments which take place daily due to the similarity of the half-crown to the florin, and in any event what is the use of a half-crown which soon will be only worth two shillings?
§ Brigadier Ralph RaynerOn the contrary, would the Chancellor bear in mind that the good old broad-beamed half-crown is a constant reminder of that old British currency which had the confidence of the world, and rather than do away with the one would he go on and try to restore the other?