§ 79. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the present shortage of shillings, owing to the increase of their use in gas and electric meters over the winter: how many shillings are at present 98W in circulation; how many were minted last year; and what steps are being taken to augment the supply.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerOver 500 million shillings are in circulation. This quantity was so far sufficient as to dispense with the need for any further issues from the Mint during 1952.
If there is a local shortage of shillings which cannot be met by redistribution, the Mint will arrange for the issue of shillings from the reserve at its disposal.