§ Mr. Hayhoeasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures have been taken by his Department to prevent pennies and halfpennies from being melted down in the United Kingdom without authority, or exported for melting down overseas.
§ Mr. HigginsIt is already an offence under Section 14 of the Decimal Currency148W Act, 1969, to melt down or break up any metal coin which is or has been current in the United Kingdom, except under the authority of a licence granted by the Treasury. Such licences are granted only for the melting down of coins on behalf of the Royal Mint.
As regards the export of these coins, the Board of Trade has today made an Order prohibiting without its authority the export from the United Kingdom of pennies and halfpennies dated before 1968, other than coins exported in a quantity not exceeding 25 lb. by weight. This Order (the Export of Goods (Control) (Amendment No. 4) Order 1970) will come into operation on 17th July, 1970.