18. Mr. R. C. Mitchellasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to ensure that there is an adequate supply of the 2½ pence coin in circulation.
§ Mr. NottVery large stocks are maintained, but the extent to which the coin circulates depends on factors quite outside Government control, primarily the degree of use by shopkeepers and others in change-giving.
§ 21. Mr. Costainasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the difficulty experienced, particularly by the elderly and short-sighted, in distinguishing the 1p and ½ p coins, if he will for future issues instruct the Mint to introduce a larger ½ p coin with a hole through the centre to make it more easily identifiable.
§ Mr. NottThe new coinage has been in circulation a little over two years. A change at this stage would, in my view, lead to considerable confusion, and, with respect to my hon. Friend, I do not think any such change is either justifiable or desirable.
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