§ LORD AMMON asked Her Majesty's Government whether attention has been directed to the shortage of shilling coins and the consequent inconvenience to many whose gas and electric supply meters are operated by this means, and who in emergency have used substitutes for coins, and have been charged with committing a criminal offence, and will Her Majesty's Government take action to remedy the shortage.
§ THE EARL OF SELKIRK: A shortage of shillings was reported to the Mint in January. In order to meet it, six million shillings were issued from reserves by the end of February, and a further four million have been issued since. In addition the Royal Mint's programme for the next six months provides for striking a quantity of shillings judged to be sufficient to meet requirements. The Royal Mint are also in contact with the British Gas Council and the British Electricity Authority in order that they may have timely notice of any steps likely to increase the demand for shillings for slot meters.
§ House adjourned at half past seven o'clock.