§ 15. Mr. Straussasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he proposes to accept the published design of the new 50 new pence coin proposed by the Decimal Currency Board.
§ 44. Mr. Ogdenasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will now ask the Decimal Currency Board to make further recommendations on the form and style of a 50 new pence coin.
§ Mr. Harold LeverThe Government's acceptance of the Decimal Currency Board's recommendation on the shape and size of the new 50 new penny piece was announced on 9th May. The design has not yet been decided.
§ Mr. StraussDoes that mean that the design that was exhibited in the Members' Library, which caused widespread unfavourable comment, has not been accepted and that there will be something better?
§ Mr. LeverThe design of the coin has not yet been decided, but its shape, which will be an equilateral curved heptagon, has been settled.
§ Mr. Ian LloydWhy are the Government so reluctant to seize the opportunity to put a high value of much smaller coins? In view of the current rate of inflation, will not these very large and heavy coins be valueless in about 10 years' time.
§ Mr. LeverIt is thought that this will be a convenient coin for a fairly large sum which can be readily distinguished from other coins. For that reason, it has to be larger and somewhat different in shape.