Coinage (Measurement) Bill

Debate between Baroness O'Cathain and Lord Davies of Oldham

Friday 15th July 2011 Lords Chamber

[Lord Davies of Oldham]

My Lords, this House is always informative on all occasions. I was aware of Henry Tudor’s Welsh origins. I have never had any difficulty locating the circumstances of his birth and his commitment to Wales, although I do have great difficulty locating the relevant battlefield, given that historians have doubts about where Bosworth is located.

[Baroness O'Cathain]

Noble Lords who have visited the Supreme Court will note that the Welsh dragon is not represented on the arms of the Supreme Court but the leek is. Is that because the dragon is extinct?

[Lord Davies of Oldham]

I do not know about that. I have never had any hesitation about the Welsh leek, nor the Welsh daffodil, which is somewhat prettier and has a less pungent and unattractive smell. I hear what the noble Baroness says; I merely indicate that I have not seen an ordinary coin in circulation which reflects the Welsh dragon, although the Welsh dragon is an important symbol of Wales. I am surprised that the Royal Mint has not represented that dimension.