HL Deb 20 November 1963 vol 253 cc327-8

2.36 p.m.

LORD FRASER OF LONSDALE

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have any statement to make on the Halsbury Report on Decimal Currency.]

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (THE EARL OF DUNDEE)

My Lords, as this is the tenth time in the last four years that my noble friend has questioned me on this subject, I am afraid he may be disappointed to learn that the Halsbury Report has raised a number of complex issues which require further consideration, and it is not yet possible to make a statement.

LORD FRASER OF LONSDALE

My Lords, will my noble friend bear in mind that, as in other matters, there is a tide in the affairs of decimals which, taken at the flood, should lead to national fortune? But, to be serious, will the Government consider the point that every month and year this matter is put off, the more it will cost and the more complications it will cause?

THE EARL OF DUNDEE

Yes; I think that the longer it is put off the more it will cost.