HC Deb 05 March 1868 vol 190 cc1112-3
MR. WHITE

said, he would beg to ask the Secretary of State for India, If it is true that more than fourteen months ago a Government Commission recommended a Gold Currency for India; and, if so, whether that recommendation will be carried into effect?

SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE

said, in reply, that at the beginning of 1866 the Government of India issued a Commission to inquire into the operation of the present Currency Laws in that country, and especially of the paper currency, and they also added to their investigation the question whether it was desirable to introduce a gold currency into India. The Commission made their Report at the close of the same year, which contained a great many recommendations and suggestions as to the paper currency, and also a general recommendation as to the introduction of a gold currency. That Report was forwarded home by the Government of India in January last, with a statement that they would very shortly communicate their views on the subject. The Home Government had, however, never heard from them since on the matter, he therefore supposed that the subject was still under their consideration.

MR. WHITE

said, he wished to know, whether the Report of the Commission would be laid on the table?

SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE

said, the Report was rather voluminous, but he would see whether it could be done.