§ 9. Mr. G. Campbellasked the Minister of Power what representations he has received from the gas industry in favour of a decimal currency based on a 10s. unit.
§ Mr. FreesonNone, Sir.
§ Mr. CampbellAs a final decision has not yet been taken on the unit of decimal currency, will the Government bear in mind the saving of money and the great convenience to both the gas industry and to its consumers of a 10s. system?
§ Mr. FreesonThe gas industry expressed a general desire—or, perhaps, a marginal desire—when giving evidence to the Halsbury Committee that it would like to see the 6d. coin retained, but on the understanding that the new £1 unit would produce coins which were suitable for the metering system the industry accepted that it could operate quite satisfactorily.
§ Mr. WeatherillWill the Minister bear in mind that there is very grave anxiety in industry and business, and in some public undertakings, notably London Transport, about the possible introduction of a system that will involve fractions? Will he have urgent discussions with the Gas Board with a view to ensuring that if a decimal system involving fractions is brought in, the accounts, which are already difficult enough to understand, will be downgraded to the nearest cent, rather than upgraded?
§ Mr. FreesonOn the last point, it is a matter for the Gas Board, or the Gas Council, to consider certain commercial undertakings or industries, and I can assure hon. Members that research is going on inside the gas industry on how it can best adapt to the new system.