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New Coins

Volume 184: debated on Thursday 31 January 1991

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To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consult all interests, including vending machine operators, shops and the general public, before introducing any new coinage or notes.

It is standard practice for the royal mint to consult interested parties before the introduction of any new coins, and it will continue to do so. Before the new 5p coin was introduced into circulation in June 1990, the royal mint undertook extensive consultations with interested parties and the general public. In addition vending companies were given test coins and two and a half years' notice to plan for the change.

The Bank of England is responsible for note issue matters. It also carries out extensive consultations prior to new notes being issued. It consults, in particular, organisations representing the blind, and also makes samples of the new notes available to banks, building societies, and note-handling machine manufacturers well in advance of issue.