Republic of Ireland Currency

HC Deb 29 November 1973 vol 865 c570

9. Mr. David James

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will take steps to make Republic of Ireland currency legal tender in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Higgins

No, Sir.

Mr. James

As British currency circulates freely throughout the Republic of Ireland and in Northern Ireland, would not it be a matter of convenience to have a mutual arrangement?

Mr. Higgins

I understand my hon. Friend's interest in the matter, but I am bound to say that a change of the kind which he suggests would create problems much more troublesome than the relatively minor inconveniences which now occasionally arise. If we were to consider arrangements regarding legal tender, very broad questions would be involved. Therefore, I cannot accept the argument which my hon. Friend puts forward.

Mr. Douglas

In reconsidering the matter, does the hon. Gentleman concede that we should consider making the currency of the joint stock banks of Scotland legal tender in the United Kingdom?

Mr. Higgins

That is a matter which has been raised on previous occasions. Again, there are real problems.