§ Mr. Wheelerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on future changes in the United Kingdom coinage.
§ Mr. LawsonIn May, at the ceremony of the Trial of the Pyx, I announced that the Royal Mint would be issuing a pamphlet describing some options for future changes in the coinage, including smaller versions of the l0p and 5p coins. The aim is to meet public dissatisfaction with the overall weight of the present coinage. The pamphlet is being published today, Wednesday 15 July.
I hope that everyone—not just industry and commerce, but the general public and groups with a special interest such as the blind—will let us have their views.
And I can give this assurance: we will not take any decisions about what changes should be made to the coinage—or indeed whether any changes should be made at all—until we have had the opportunity to consider thoroughly all the views and comments we receive.
§ Mr. Nigel Griffithsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give details of the consultation process in relation to the proposed changes in the coinage; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Brooke[pursuant to my hon. Friend's reply, 13 July 1987]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer my right hon. Friend gave the hon. Member for Westminster, North (Mr. Wheeler) earlier today.