§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received about the circulation within the United Kingdom of counterfeit pound coins; what action is being taken against those making such coins; what advice is given to those in business warning of the circulation of such coins; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Nelson[holding answer 11 January 1994]: I have received no formal representation about the circulation within the United Kingdom of counterfeit £1 coins and, although there are some in circulation, the numbers are believed to be extremely small in relation to the total number of £1 coins in circulation.
Under the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981, it is a criminal offence to make a counterfeit of a coin or to pass it on to another person. Where sufficient evidence of such activities exists, it is for the police to take action against those responsible.
No specific advice has been given to those in business warning of the circulation of counterfeit £1 coins.