TNAG-0765-FCO40-969-Minting-of-coins-for-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 123

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PA hr. Thompson graus problem.

Zichael Stagg Mick

CONFIDENTIAL

MOOD

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35

HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT

5th September 1978

(MOVEMENT OF OPINION DIRECTION)

MOOD is written for senior officers who are familiar with the general background of life in Hong Kong, who have experience of contact with the public themselves, and who are familiar with up-to-date news of Government interest. Its objectives remain a sounding of public opinion and an assessment of public reactions, attitudes and feelings in appropriate instances. Heads of Departments are asked to ensure that their copies of MOOD are circulated selectively and stored securely at all times.

Public Impression of the Shortage of Coins Problem

(2,221 respondents)

AKK138/1

The Aftermatch of Typhoon Agnes (1,826 respedits) *TRY KO. 51

INDEX

10

13 5FP 1978

OFFICER

PA

REGISTRY Action Tween

Public Impression of the Shortage of Coins Problem

Was there a shortage of coins?

Respondents at large felt that there was a real shortage of 10-cent and 20-cent coins although 10-cent coins were believed to be more scarce. The degree of inconvenience caused varied but the public generally thought that the problem was not as acute or serious as was reported in

some newspapers.

2.

The impression that shortage of coins did exist was probably formed and reaffirmed by the following factors

(a) Long queues were found at a number of banks early

in the morning (from about 7.00 a.m.) waiting to exchange dollar notes into small coins. These people were usually hawkers, newspaper vendors or restaurant workers who required a considerable amount of small coins in their everyday business

transactions.

(b) Many banks were reported to allow each adult person

and child exchanges for 10-cent coins up to a maximum of $40 and $20 respectively, while some

banks in Kwun Tong were said to have stopped the

CONFIDENTIAL

/ exchange

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