09/03/2009 - Make Scottish notes acceptable: MP
People in Scotland are "hurt" and offended by English shopkeepers refusing to accept their country's bank notes, the Conservatives have said.
Shadow Scottish secretary David Mundell made the claims as he called for Scottish banknotes to be made as acceptable as English ones in shops and businesses throughout the UK.
He said Scottish people were often "hurt by the implicit suggestion that there's something wrong" with their notes, telling the Commons that despite their different appearance: "There is no difference in the financial value of Scottish notes."
Mr Mundell was introducing his Scottish Banknotes (Acceptability in the UK) Bill, which would put Scottish notes on an "equal footing" with any other acceptable banknote.
He said three banks - the Bank of Scotland, RBS and Clydesdale - currently issued a core of 16 note designs, providing a "vivid example of how Scottish culture can flourish" within the UK.
But travellers on their way back to England often tried to change their Scottish notes for English ones before returning home - causing unwitting offence.
"There's absolutely no reason why Scottish notes should be questioned unless there's a substantial reason to believe they are forgeries," the MP for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale said.
"My constituents want their money to be accepted and not challenged."
Copyright © Press Association 2009
Related links
|
