§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why the Royal Mint has been able to provide Tesco supermarkets with large supplies of Jubilee Crowns, in view of the fact that clearing banks have had difficulty in obtaining their requirements.
§ Mr. Denzil DaviesThe Royal Mint has not provided Tesco supermarkets with Jubilee Crowns. Coins are issued in bulk exclusively to banks and post offices.
§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement 174W on the availability of Jubilee Crowns to organisations hoping to provide Crowns for children during the Jubilee Week celebrations.
§ Mr. Denzil DaviesI refer the hon. Gentleman to the replies given on 10th and 16th May respectively to Questions by the hon. Member for Essex, South-East (Sir B. Braine) and my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry, South-East (Mr. Wilson).
§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the current daily production figure of Jubilee Crowns being produced by the Royal Mint.
§ Mr. Denzil DaviesBetween 150 and 200 thousand, yielding on average 1 million per week.
Mr. Bothertonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many machines are curently in use by the Royal Mint for the production of Jubilee Crowns.
§ Mr. Denzil DaviesFive heavy-duty presses. Various ancillary equipment is also in use.
§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether and by what amount the Royal Mint has underestimated the number of Jubilee Crowns required by the general public.
§ Mr. Denzil DaviesAt present it is not clear what the total demand might be, although there is no doubt that it will exceed what was expected by Jubilee week. The Mint plans now to cater for a total demand of 20 million cupro-nickel coins by Jubilee week and, if necessary, to continue production at the rate of 1 million per week thereafter.