§ 16. Mr. Dempseyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the large variety of bank notes in circulation in the country, he will consult with the banks, and other appropriate interests, with a view to having a uniform bank note currency operating in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydNo, Sir. I see no reason for interference with the existing arrangements. This was, also, the view of the Radcliffe Committee.
§ Mr. DempseyIs the Chancellor aware that to have twenty-seven different types of bank notes circulating in Scotland and in England is at the least anomalous if not ludicrous? Does not he agree that it would be in the interests of all to work for the standardisation of these bank 1047 notes in both Scotland and England with a view to reducing the variety of those at present in circulation?
§ Mr. LloydI do not think that uniformity is always an unmixed blessing. A certain variety is not necessarily a bad thing.
Mr. J. WellsIs my right hon. and learned Friend aware that the variety of types of bank notes circulating in Scotland is a very important contributory factor to the relative infrequency of bank robberies in Scotland compared with England? In the interests of the safety of bank staffs and others, will my right hon. and learned Friend take no steps to alter the ancient rights of Scottish banks?
§ Mr. LloydThat point had not occurred to me and I am grateful to my hon. Friend for drawing my attention to it.