Completely unrelated to the issue of scrap metal but here is another government attack on "cash" in the Telegraphy today:
Paying cash in hand is 'diddling the country', says HMRC's Dave Hartnett.
This is about tax evasion but it's clear the governments don't like cash much these days. Ultimately they don't like the fact that it can change hands without them knowing about it. I'm convinced that it's days are numbered. Governments have always been intent on increasing their control of the money supply. They will not hesitate to make any changes they can that gives them more control of it and how it is used, if they think they can get away with it.
I just wonder whether some form of black market currency would emerge in the absense of an officially sanctioned cash.