§ 13. Mr. David EvansTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how long the decimalisation of the United Kingdom's currency took from its inception to its complete implementation. [24333]
§ Mrs. Angela KnightThe decision to go ahead with decimalisation was announced in March 1966. The first Decimal Currency Act was passed in July 1967. Decimalisation took place on 15 February 1971. I still refer to 50p as 10 bob.
§ Mr. EvansIs my hon. Friend aware that the British people do not want, after fighting two world wars for freedom, to give up their pound for a single currency? Is she further aware that the lot opposite would sign everything away to Europe? Is it not a fact that we are the party of the Union Jack and that it is the party of the skull and crossbones of Brussels?
§ Mrs. KnightNobody can ask such questions as well as my hon. Friend. Not only do I agree with him—[Horn. MEMBERS: "Oh."]—as regards the attitude of the lot opposite, but it would impose a jobs tax on all of us. Thanks to the opt-out negotiated by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister at Maastricht, the United Kingdom will not take part in a single currency unless that is in the interests of the United Kingdom.