§ Mr. Wheelerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish by date and denomination the coins struck for currency and proof purposes for the United Kingdom for 1977, 1978 and 1979.
§ Mr. Peter ReesThe United Kingdom circulating coin struck by the Royal Mint was as follows:
1977 1978 1979 50p 28 million 96 million 58 million 25p 37 million — — 10p 70 million 40 million 89 million 5p 51 million 61 million 156 million 2p 127 million 215 million 198 million 1p 274 million 517 million 439 million ½p 236 million 81 million 243 million Details of proof coin production are commercially confidential
§ Mr. Wheelerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the 1980 proof gold coins of £5, £2, £1 and £½ were issued first to overseas customers; and if he will take steps to see that United Kingdom customers are not discriminated against in the acquisition of their own coinage when such issues are made.
§ Mr. Peter ReesThe coins were not issued first to overseas customers; it is Royal Mint policy to issue first in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Wheelerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if it is his policy to use competitive tendering for 486W Government contracts; and, if so, if he will invite United Kingdom mints and other mints to tender for striking United Kingdom proof and currency coins.
§ Mr. Peter ReesWhilst it is Government policy to place contracts by competitive tender whenever possible, the Royal Mint, in exercise of its traditional function, continues to be the sole supplier of United Kingdom coinage.