§ Mr. Madelasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about the production of bullion half sovereigns.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweI have authorised the Royal Mint and Bank of England to recommence production and distribution of bullion half sovereigns. This will be the first such production in the United Kingdom since 1915. The coins will be supplied by the Bank of England to the London bullion market in the same way as bullion sovereigns, and will be available for delivery to the market from 28 July. They will represent a British alternative to foreign gold coins of a similar size for purchasers at home and overseas.