§ 25. Major Anstruther-Grayasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of a shortage of shillings for slot meters and other purposes in the south-east of Scotland; and if he will take steps to meet this situation.
§ Mr. H. BrookeThe Royal Mint supplies coins in the quantities and denominations asked for by the banks. In this case the Royal Mint, on the appearance of Press reports of a shortage of shillings in the Edinburgh area, consulted the Scottish banks. As a result, 2,844,000 shillings have been sent to these banks since 2nd January. A further 970,000 will be sent next week.
§ Major Anstruther-GrayI thank my right hon. Friend very much.
§ Mrs. MannDoes the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that this shortage does not exist merely in Scotland but that the Scots in London are experiencing a great shortage of shillings? Is he aware that because of the shortage of shillings Scots in London have to give a tip of 2s., which is a great hardship on the Scots?
§ Mr. BrookeI appreciate the hon. Lady's hardship. It makes me all the more surprised that she refrained from putting that supplementary question to me last week about Members' salaries.