§ Mr. Redmondasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is satisfied with the working of the decimal coinage system; what representations he has had from members of the public for new or improved coins; and whether he will consider the introduction of a 50 pence 66W note and a new coin between the present 10p and 50p.
§ Mr. HigginsOn the whole the new coinage system is working well. Since Decimal Day a small number of suggestions have been received from members of the public regarding changes in the coinage, but the range of denominations, the specifications and the designs seem now to be generally accepted. The decision to have a 50p coin instead of a note was made on grounds of economy, and I do not consider that the higher expenditure involved in producing a 50p note could be justified.
We shall keep the case for an intermediate 20p or 25p coin under review.