§ Mr. Neubertasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress he has to announce on the issue of the 20p and £1 coins.
§ Mr. Bruce-GardyneAt a meeting of the Privy Council this morning Her Majesty was graciously pleased to sign Royal Proclamations announcing the legal tender status of the 20p and £1 coins. Some details of the coins were announced by my right hon. Friend the then Financial Secretary on 31 July last. As planned, the 20p coins will be brought into general circulation via the banks on 9 June, and the £1 coin in April next year. Sets of United Kingdom coinage in uncirculated and proof condition, which will include the 20p coin but not the £1 coin, will be available from 1 April 1982 from the Royal Mint and other sources. Copies of the Royal Mint press release with details of the designs chosen for coins have been placed in the Library.