§ Mr. Irvingasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make a statement regarding the five-shilling piece, to be issued to commemorate the Festival of Britain, about which a Royal Proclamation has now been made.
§ Mr. GaitskellYes. There will be a special issue of a five-shilling piece to mark the occasion of the Festival of Britain. The design of the obverse will be the Royal Effigy and Titles, and the words "Five Shillings." The reverse will bear the design by Pistrucci of St. George slaying the Dragon. On the edge, in place of the usual milling, will be the inscription:—"MDCCCLICivium Industria Floret Civitas MCMLI."
As the coin is intended to be a commemorative piece, it will be struck from specially polished dies, and will be supplied in a suitable case at 5s. 6d. complete. The coin will be obtainable at the South Bank Exhibition and I hope that it will be possible to arrange to supply it also through numismatic societies and coin dealers not only in various parts of the United Kingdom, but also overseas.