§ Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many halfpenny coins he estimates are now in circulation; and how many he estimates will be in circulation by the end of 1981.
§ Mr. LawsonThe number estimated to be in the hands of the banks and the public is roughly 2,500 million. If the level of issues continued at the same rate as during the last two years this figure would increase to approximately 2,800 million by the end of 1981.
§ Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the value of a halfpenny coin now as compared to its value when first issued.
§ Mr. LawsonThe purchasing value of the halfpenny coin in April 1980 was equivalent to 30 per cent. of its value in February 1971, the date of decimalisation.
§ Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has caused an investigation to be carried out to ascertain what size and shape a £1 coin could or should take if and when he decides to introduce one.
§ Mr. LawsonSize and shape are inevitably among the factors relevant to the consideration of the possible introduction of a £1 coin.
§ Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has any plans to introduce any changes in United Kingdom coinage, other than for the issue of a £1 coin.
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§ Mr. LawsonI have no plans to introduce changes in the United Kingdom coinage at this time.