HC Deb 23 November 1959 vol 614 c13W
Sir F. Markham

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimates have been made of the loss or destruction of bank notes and currency notes during the war years, and each year since; and to what extent an appropriate deduction is made from the figures given of notes and currency in circulation.

Mr. Barber

It has not been found possible to estimate the numbers of bank notes and currency notes which may have been lost or destroyed. Adjustments to the published figures of notes and currency in circulation are made under statutory provisions which permit the Bank of England to write off bank and currency notes which are not presented for payment within a certain number of years after the date of issue.