HL Deb 31 January 1968 vol 288 cc773-4
THE EARL OF CROMARTIE

My 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 whether they will consider the advisability of postponing the change-over to the decimal system in order to eliminate a great deal of unnecessary expenditure both in the public and private sector over the next three years.]

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, the Government have no intention of postponing the change-over to a decimal currency system. Decimalisation is now well advanced; two out of the preparatory five years are over and a great deal of capital has already been expended. Because of the real economic benefits which will accrue it is the view of the Government that it is in the best interests of the country as a whole to proceed with decimalisation as planned.

THE EARL OF CROMARTIE

My Lords, while thanking the Minister for a much fuller Answer than I expected to get, I would ask whether the Government would not agree, that in the present state of the national finances this change has become rather an irrelevancy for the time being.

LORD BESWICK

No, my Lords. Far from being an irrelevancy, it is expected that when the change-over has taken place it will be of real help towards the expansion of our export trade.

LORD BYERS

My Lords, is the Minister aware that the Government are to be congratulated on keeping to this course, which may be of tremendous help to the future efficiency of this country?

LORD BESWICK

I am much obliged to the noble Lord.