HC Deb 12 December 1966 vol 738 c22W
99. Mr. Cant

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress he has made in appointing the Decimal Currency Board; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Callaghan

Sir William Fiske has accepted my invitation to be Chairman of the Board, and the right hon. Lord Erroll of Hale my invitation to be Deputy Chairman. Their appointments take effect immediately.

The Board's functions will be

  1. (1) To examine in detail the problems of the changeover including consultation as appropriate with interested parties;
  2. (2) To promote the speedy and efficient transition to the use of a decimal currency;
  3. (3) To organise a programme of guidance to the public;
  4. (4) To examine any claims for compensation (within the Government's broad policy on the subject), and to make recommendations thereon.

A Supplementary Estimate will be presented early next year to cover the expenses of the Board. Meanwhile the expenses will be borne on the Civil Contingencies Fund.