HC Deb 14 July 1969 vol 787 c47W
Mr. James Davidson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will amend the Currency and Banknotes Act 1954 to enable the development of a patented device to stain banknotes in emergency rendering them illegal tender but still recognisable.

Mr. Taverne

There is no statutory impediment to the development and use of devices to stain banknotes in an emergency. Legislation to deprive stained notes of legal tender status would not add to the effectiveness of such devices. It is therefore unnecessary; and it would in any case be impracticable.