Rumours are circulating the City that the Chancellor George Osbourne is about to announce the abolition of decimal currency and introduce a return to imperial coinage.
Insiders at the Treasury have been hearing whispers of a 'Plan d' emanating from number 11 for many weeks now. However, it was not until the recent unexplained activity at the Royal Mint the rumours began to gain any substance.
A source at the Treasury has hinted that the Chancellor may be taking the recent fiscal austerity measures several stages further, with mention of a 'ten year plan'.
The thinking is that the reappearance of shillings, farthings and guinea's will instill a sense of respect for personal finance - and currency in general. It has been widely known in Westminister for some time that the Chancellor has been floating the idea around the cabinet table for the introduction of wartime-style ration books for clothing, alcohol and electrical items.
It is not known where the Prime Minister David Cameron stands on the matter. However the Business Secretary Vince Cable was seen leaving number 11, late last night, ashen-faced - with one insider mentioning 'raised voices' and 'the slamming of doors' heard in the Chancellors office beforehand.
