§ 3.4 p.m.
§ LORD FRASER of LONSDALEMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government if they have any statement to make as to the adoption of a decimal coinage system for the United Kingdom.]
§ THE MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO (THE EARL OF DUNDEE)My Lords, as I told my noble friend on February 23 last, I hope it will be possible for the Government to make a statement later on in the year.
§ LORD FRASER OF LONSDALEMy Lords, the year ends in December. Does "later on in the year" mean in the autumn part of the Session?
§ THE EARL OF DUNDEEMy Lords, there are still five months left in the year, and quite a lot of interesting things may happen in that time.
§ LORD FRASER OF LONSDALEIs the statement going to be made next week or this Session?
§ THE EARL OF DUNDEEI think it is unlikely that a statement will be made this week, and I cannot say whether my right honourable friend has any dates in mind yet.
§ LORD FRASER OF LONSDALEIf a statement is made in the Commons, perhaps next week in connection with economic matters, will a similar statement be made here concurrently?
§ THE EARL OF DUNDEEI think that is the usual arrangement through the usual channels, but a statement on economic affairs, which, as we know, will be made in another place on the 774 25th, does not necessarily imply that anything will be said about the noble Lord's Question on the Paper, which is a rather different matter.