HC Deb 24 March 1971 vol 814 cc533-4
39. Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will ensure that sufficient sixpences are being supplied to all bars, refreshment rooms and tea rooms within the Palace of Westminster so that this coin may freely circulate.

Dr. Bennett

I have been asked to reply.

Yes.

Mr. Finsberg

Is my hon. Friend aware that sixpences are hardly ever given out in change? [HON. MEMBERS: "Reading!"] I am reading the same sort of thing as the hon. Member for Fife, West (Mr. William Hamilton) does; it is in black type. Would my hon. Friend assure the House that at least his Department is not trying, like the joint stock banks, to kill off the sixpence?

Dr. Bennett

I think my department has very little in common with the joint stock banks.

Mr. Lipton

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is nothing we can get for sixpence in the Refreshment Rooms, so that this Question is purely hypothetical? Would he tell me what we can get for sixpence under his present leadership?

Dr. Bennett

I will certainly make inquiries.