§ 9. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has yet reached a decision on the siting of the new Mint which will produce the 9,000 million coins required for change to decimal currency four years hence; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CallaghanI cannot at present add to the reply given to the hon. Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, North (Mr. R. W. Elliott) and my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, East (Mr. Rhodes) on 7th March. [Vol. 742, c. 235.]
§ Sir G. NabarroWhen is the Chancellor expecting to make a decision on this matter of massive industrial importance? Would not he agree that it is desirable, first, that new plant should go to the development areas and, secondly, that it should not be fragmented, making the same mistakes that were formerly made with the fragmenting of the large new strip mill, part in Scotland and part in South Wales?
§ Mr. CallaghanI take note of the hon. Gentleman's view. As to the period of time, I think that I will be able to stand by the Answer I gave on 7th March, when I said that I hoped to make a statement within two months.
§ Mr. E. RowlandsWould the Chancellor give an assurance that if the Mint is moved from London the development areas will be given priority, especially in 278 view of the high unemployment rate in South Wales? Will he bear these matters in mind when considering moves of this sort, particularly the unemployment problems of this and similar areas?
§ Mr. CallaghanI believe that it would be better for me to make a comprehensive statement at the time when a decision about the future of the Mint is taken.
§ Sir Knox CunninghamWould the right hon. Gentleman consider a site in Ulster?
Mr. CampbellWhile it is desirable, where practicable, for establishments to be moved from London to the regions, does the right hon. Gentleman recognise that considerably fewer coins would be required if the 10s. system were adopted instead of the Government's present proposal?