HC Deb 20 May 1969 vol 784 cc48-9W
46. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the prevailing shortage of shilling pieces as compared with the plentiful supply of sixpences, if he will take steps to mint the new 5d. pieces at two or three times the rate of minting 1s. pieces, so as to have sufficient coinage to take the place of both the 1s. and 6d. pieces in use at present.

Mr. Taverne

I share the hon. Member's desire to encourage a greater circulation of 5p. coins. A substantial minting programme is already in hand and steps have been taken to encourage those who draw coins from the banks to ask for this denomination in preference to sixpences. The minting of shillings was discontinued last year and I hope it will be possible to cease minting sixpences later this year.