§ Mrs. GormanTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the cost of producing the commemorative coin celebrating the United Kingdom Presidency of the European Communities; and how many such coins have been minted(a) in total and (b) as a proportion of all 50 pence pieces minted since the commemorative coin was first minted. [28730]
§ Mrs. Liddell[holding answer 10 February 1998]: The cost of producing commemorative fifty pence coins is less than their face value or selling price. The detailed figures are commercially sensitive in view of the Royal Mint's export business. 5.2 million commemorative fifty pence coins have been minted, accounting for 22 per cent. of all fifty pence coins so far minted in 1998.
§ Mrs. GormanTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he received on the advantages of minting a coin commemorating the United Kingdom Presidency of the European Communities. [28732]
§ Mrs. Liddell[holding answer 10 February 1998]: The Royal Mint recommended that a commemorative fifty pence coin should be issued to mark both the United Kingdom Presidency of the European Union and the 25th anniversary of our accession, taking account of precedents in 1973 when a fifty pence coin was issued to mark the United Kingdom's accession to the EEC and in 1992–93 when a further fifty pence was issued to celebrate the previous United Kingdom Presidency and the completion of the single market.
§ Mrs. GormanTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the Ministers consulted over the creation of a 50 pence piece commemorating the United Kingdom Presidency of the European Communities. [28731]
§ Mrs. Liddell[holding answer 10 February 1998]: Decisions on United Kingdom commemorative coins are matters for the Chancellor of the Exchequer, subject to the approval of Her Majesty The Queen. No consultations took place with Ministers of other Government Departments in this case.