HC Deb 22 June 1965 vol 714 cc1441-2
4. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will direct the Royal Mint to double the number of shillings minted, and to make that fact well known so that the shilling may become a unit of currency once again in common use like the sixpence.

Mr. MacDermot

Twenty-four million shillings were issued in the first quarter of 1965, compared with30 million in the whole of 1964.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that for about seven months in the year all the shillings seem to be tied up in gas, electricity and parking meters, and so on, and that if he looks in his pocket in the winter he will never find a shilling? Therefore, would the hon. Gentleman advise that during the winter period more shillings should be made available?

Mr. MacDermot

All I can say is that the hon. Gentleman has a better chance of finding a shilling in his pocket now than he had under the previous Government.

Mr. Costain

Is the Financial Secretary aware that although he may find a shilling in his pocket it is now worth a great deal less than it was?