§ 4. Mr. Proudfootasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consideration he has given to the advantages of a system of decimal coinage in facilitating the alteration, by rebate or surcharge, of Purchase Tax and Excise duties.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydI have given no specific consideration to the advantages of a decimal coinage system in this connection.
§ Mr. ProudfootHas my right hon. and learned Friend realised that this would be most helpful to his staff and, more important, to consumers?
§ Mr. LloydI am told that in this case it is not thought that it would make very much practical difference. Nevertheless, I do not want my hon. Friend to think that that means that I am not very interested in the matter to which he is so much attached.
§ Mr. du CannMy right hon. and learned Friend has, I know, the whole question of the introduction of decimal currency in consideration. Can he tell us when he thinks that it may be possible for him to make an announcement in the matter, particularly as so many Commonwealth territories have now introduced decimal currencies?
§ Mr. LloydI do not think that I could give my hon. Friend even an estimate without notice, but I will consider the matter and try to let him know.