§ Mr. J. Beattieasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the copper coinage in circulation in Northern Ireland consists almost entirely of halfpennies; that the shortage of pennies in this area is causing serious inconvenience to persons desiring to use telephone call-boxes and to householders who have slot meters installed in their homes for the purpose of securing supplies of gas or electricity; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this state of affairs.
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§ Sir J. AndersonI have received no previous complaint of shortage of pence in Northern Ireland. I do not think that it would be desirable to interfere with the arrangements by which the banks are. responsible for the local distribution of coin. On the supply of pence generally, I would invite my hon. Friend's attention to my reply on 20th April last to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Lewisham, East (Sir A. Pownall).