HC Deb 14 March 1961 vol 636 cc106-7W
61. Sir B. Janner

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the recent research work carried out by the National Institute of Hygiene in Paris, which discloses that after a few weeks in circulation currency notes accumulate a considerable content of bacilli, which in some cases may be infectious, and in view of the fact that steps have been taken in future to incorporate a certain proportion of special disinfectant in bank note paper in that country, if he will state the experience with British currency notes; and whether he intends to take similar action in this country.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

The composition of the paper used in bank notes in the United Kingdom is a matter for decision by the issuing banks themselves. I am informed, however, that experience in this country does not suggest the need for bank notes to be impregnated with disinfectant. If bank notes were liable to pass on disease one might expect a heavy incidence of illness among bank staffs who handle soiled notes all day, and I understand this is far from being the case.

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