HC Deb 21 October 1952 vol 505 cc852-3
32. Sir Ian Fraser

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury when the first coins bearing the head of Her Majesty the Queen will be issued.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The design of coinage comes within the Royal Prerogative. I understand that it is probable that the Royal Proclamation prescribing the designs of the new coinage may be issued before the end of this year, in which case specimens may be expected to be available before the Coronation.

Sir I. Fraser

Having regard to the Royal Prerogative, cannot the Government do everything possible to devise that these new products shall be available for certain, and not doubtfully?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

In view of the first part of my answer to my hon. Friend, I cannot give any precise answer to that, other than to say that the importance of the matter is very much borne in mind.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Can my hon. Friend say whether it is the fact that Her Majesty will not be the Defender of the Faith until after the Coronation, and that therefore the coinage cannot properly be produced until after that date?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

If that were a question for me, it would, none the less, not arise on this Question.