§ 26. Mr. Liptonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now simplify the coinage by withdrawing from circulation the old sixpenny piece and the present halfpenny.
§ Mr Joel BarnettNo early decision on the 2½p coin is likely; the position is being kept under review. There is no 732 intention whatever of abolishing the ½p coin.
§ Mr. LiptonIs my right hon. Friend aware that the sixpenny piece has become unnecessary? If it were called in the Government would make a profit, because most people use the sixpenny piece for necklaces and bracelets. In addition, the ½p coin has become useless.
§ Mr. BarnettI am afraid that I do not agree with my hon. Friend. The facts do not bear out what he says. The 2½p coin is still found useful by many people, particularly elderly people.
§ Mr. Kenneth LewisIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Government will be renowned, among other things, for the complete demise of the old "tanner" that used to buy so much? Now it buys nothing, not even an ice cream. The right hon. Gentleman might as well do away with it because the Government's inflation has eroded its value.
§ Mr. BarnettIf it only gives an opportunity for the hon. Gentleman to ask what he considers to be funny questions, it is of some value.
§ Mr. JesselWhat would be the cost of abolishing all the parking meters throughout the country to allow for the abolition of the sixpence?
§ Mr. BarnettI need notice of that question.