§ Mr. Geoffrey Finsbergasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the coinage will cease to bear the word "new".
§ Mr. Denzil DaviesPlans have now been made to omit the word "new" from all coins which are minted from 1977 onwards. To balance the designs the denominational values will be expressed in words as well as in figures, but no other significant changes will be made. A Royal proclamation under the Coinage Act 1971 will be made in due course.
§ Mr. Geoffrey Finsbergasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will now make the 2½p a permanent feature of the currency, in view of its importance in both price shading and as a counter to inflation.
§ Mr. Denzil DaviesNo early decision on the 2½p coin is likely. The position is being kept under review.