§ Mr. Wheelerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects the new United Kingdom gold bullion coin, the Britannia, to be available to the public; and what notional legal tender value he intends to ascribe to it and the other denominations of ½ oz, ¼ oz and 1/10oz.
§ Mr. Ian StewartThe 1 oz Britannia will be available this autumn with the additional denominations available shortly thereafter. Further details of the specification of the coins, including their face values, will be announced in due course.
§ Mr. Wheelerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had about the intention of the Belgian Government to issue commemorative and legal tender coin in ecu denominations; and if he has any similar intentions.
§ Mr. Ian StewartWhile the Government were aware of the Belgian Government's intentions, neither I nor my ministerial colleagues have held any discussions with representatives of the Belgian Government on this subject. The Government have no plans to issue similar coins in the United Kingdom.
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§ Mr. Wheelerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will announce his conclusions of his review of the size and shape of the various denominations of United Kingdom currency coins; and what proposals he has for change.
§ Mr. Ian StewartThe Government have no plans at present to issue any new coins or to withdraw any existing coins. Naturally, the Government keep all longer term options under constant review. Before any change took place it would be necessary to give all interested parties from industry and commerce, as well as the general public, including the blind, an opportunity to make known their views on the longer term alternatives.
§ Mr. Wheelerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider the regular issue of a crown piece in silver proof and currency metal; and when he expects to issue the next commemorative version of this coin.
§ Mr. Ian StewartCrowns are generally issued to mark important royal occasions. It would not therefore be appropriate to issue them on a regular basis. In the case of any future commemorative issues, an announcement would be made at the appropriate time.
§ Mr. Wheelerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will continue to issue a legal tender currency coin of £2 denomination value.
§ Mr. Ian StewartThe Government have no present plans to issue further £2 coins.
§ Mr. Wheelerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if it is his intention to continue to strike the British gold sovereign and half sovereign; and if such coins will be issued and dated for the current year.
§ Mr. Ian StewartProof sovereigns and half sovereigns arc being struck this year and will bear the date for the current year. There are no plans to strike standard sovereigns and half sovereigns during 1987.