§ 47. Mr. Rankinasked the Prime Minister if he will arrange that the Royal Cypher is not placed on new pillar boxes.
§ The Prime MinisterHer Majesty's Government are not prepared to place any general restriction on the use of the Royal Cypher. Its use for any particular purpose is a matter for detailed decision in relation to the circumstances of the case.
§ Mr. RankinMay I ask the Prime Minister if there is any truth in the statement that, in order to strengthen the case for the retention of the numeral, the Government have issued a circular offering £2,000 reward for information leading to the identification of Elizabeth I of Scotland, dead or alive? Is that now Government policy?
§ The Prime MinisterWhen I think of the greatness and splendour of Scotland, and her wonderful part in the history not only of this island but of the world, I think they really ought to keep their silliest people in order.
§ Lord John HopeIs the Prime Minister aware that his last answer will give great satisfaction to everyone in Scotland except a very small lunatic fringe?
§ Mr. RankinThen may I ask the Prime Minister what steps he is taking to discover the authors of this poster?
§ The Prime MinisterIt is not part of my duties as Prime Minister to seek out and work up into all these small ferret holes. If the hon. Gentleman has any information to give to Her Majesty's Government, or to the police, the Secretary of State for Scotland is entirely at his disposal.