§ Ms LawrenceTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans Her Majesty's Government has to issue new commemorative coins. [18204]
§ Mr. Gordon BrownHer Majesty The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve my recommendation that a fifty pence piece of special design should be issued in 1998 to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the National Health Service and that a two-pound coin should be issued in 1999 to celebrate the hosting of the Rugby World Cup. Both coins will be made available for general circulation and there will be collector versions in base and precious metal.
She has also been graciously pleased to approve my recommendation that a crown piece with a face value of five pounds should be issued to celebrate the millennium. These crown pieces will be struck in base and precious metal for collectors, and in addition will be available at face value from banks and post offices in 1999 and 2000.