§ 15. Mr. Liptonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when farthings were last minted; and whether, in view of the ¾d. reduction in the price of petrol, he will now mint more farthings.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftFarthings were last minted in February, 1956. The present supply should be sufficient to meet requirements.
§ Mr. LiptonAs it costs ½d. to make ¼d., is it not rather stupid of the oil companies to try to force this useless coin into greater circulation again? Will the Chancellor, therefore, ask the oil companies and the petrol retailers to forgo ⅛d. per gallon each and thus give the public 1d. reduction? It would be very much simpler and more sensible, would it not?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftYes, Sir, but I am answering for the Mint and not for the oil companies.
§ Mr. LiptonWhy not ask them?