§ Major Despencer-Robertsonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the new design on the copper coinage is intended to be permanent; how long the figure of Britannia has been depicted on such coinage; and why it has been discarded this year?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Colville:My right hon. Friend does not expect that any change in the designs of the current coinage will be made for some considerable time. The figure of Britannia has appeared on the copper or bronze coinage since the reign of Charles II. It was felt that the opportunity of a new issue should be taken to introduce new designs on the reverses of the three coins concerned. The traditional figure of Britannia has been retained with certain modifications for the reverse of the penny, and new designs were adopted for the farthing and the halfpenny after full consideration by the appropriate authorities.