HC Deb 21 February 1956 vol 549 cc185-6
38. Mr. Remnant

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he will now agree to the issue of a £2 note.

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Henry Brooke)

No, Sir.

Mr. Remnant

Why is my right hon. Friend so obstinate in this matter? Will he be good enough to consult industry, including, of course, the wage earners and the Banks, to ascertain whether they would both welcome this proposal?

Mr. Brooke

There is at present no evidence of a public need for notes of denominations other than those now in use, but I am always ready to listen to representations.

Miss Herbison

Surely the Minister will reconsider his hon. Friend's representations, since most housewives find that under this Government the £1 note is not valued very highly and that it would be much easier if they had £2 notes?

Mr. Brooke

Without entering into the philosophy of the cost of living, I would point out that there are those who think it is a pity to have notes of too many different kinds lest they be confused.

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