§ Mr. LawsTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to put out to tender the Treasury contract for United Kingdom coinage; and if he will make a statement. [75987]
§ Ruth KellyThe Treasury keeps the arrangements for the supply of circulation coins under review. The current arrangements with the Royal Mint have several years to run. They are designed to enable both the Treasury and the Mint to plan for the medium term on a commercial basis, and to ensure a cost-effective supply of coins to meet demand.