HC Deb 04 February 1964 vol 688 c950
2. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what decision has now been reached regarding the desirability of defacing bank notes, due for destruction, before they are sent to London for pulping.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. Reginald Maudling)

This matter, and the whole problem of the security of bank notes in transit, is under continuous examination by those concerned.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

Would my right hon. Friend ask the Bank of England or the committee dealing with it to deal with the matter quickly because millions of used banknotes are coming back by train each week to London? There is a simple machine which can be used by provincial banks for defacing them, and in view of the two robberies last year in Aylesbury and Cardiff of over £2½ million, should not this machine be brought into use quickly?

Mr. Maudling

I will certainly call that to the attention of those concerned.