§ 8. Mr. Liptonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consideration he has given to taking farthings out of circulation, reducing the size of the penny, dispensing with either florins or half-crowns and introducing a coin of higher value than the half-crown.
Mr. AmoryI have noted with interest the comments on these questions made by the Deputy Master of the Royal Mint in his recent Annual Report. I have nothing at present to add.
§ Mr. LiptonI am sorry that the Chancellor has not decided to take any action, but even if he cannot carry out all the suggestions at once, will he at least do something about the scores of millions of farthings that are lying about, which are useless and irritating when they come to light? Will he at least reach a decision to withdraw them from circulation now?
Mr. AmoryI am very much interested in the hon. Gentleman's views on the points that have been raised and, indeed, in the views of other people too, because it is a matter on which I should be glad of the widest possible comment before reaching any decision.