HC Deb 27 October 1997 vol 299 c656W
Sir Richard Body

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are his Department's proposals for dealing with sterling coinage going out of circulation over the next five years. [12518]

Mrs. Liddell

The 50p piece, introduced in October 1969, is the only coin which is currently planned to be withdrawn from circulation over the next five years. It is due to be phased out of circulation and will cease to be legal tender on 28 February 1998. It is being replaced by a smaller and lighter version which was introduced into circulation on 1 September 1997.