§ Mr. WheelerTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he proposes to issue the new £2 coin; of what metals the proof versions will be made and how many of each; how many reverse designs there will be; what these will depict; and to what extent ordinary currency pieces will be available, and where.
§ Mr. LawsonAs I announced to the House on 13 January 1988, a special £2 coin will be issued in 1989 to 249W commemorate the tercentenary of the Bill of Rights. I am now able to announce that Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to approve my recommendation to issue, in addition, a £2 coin to commemorate the tercentenary of the Scottish claim of right. The design on the obverse of both coins will feature the approved portrait of Her Majesty prepared by Mr. Raphael Maklouf. Details of the reverse designs will not be released until the coins are issued on 14 February 1989. Proof versions will be struck in silver and base metal. Coins struck in nickel brass will be available at face value at post offices and banks throughout the United Kingdom. It has not yet been decided how many coins will be minted. Although the coins are primarily for collectors, all will be legal tender.