§ MR. S. SMITH (Flintshire)asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, If his attention has been called to a paragraph, in the money article of The Times of Wednesday, to this effect—
The Royal Commission on the Currency Question has adjourned for the Easter Holidays; but we have reason to believe that sufficient evidence has already been taken to enable the members to make up their minds as to the nature of the Report which they will publish, and that the preponderance of opinion is decidedly in favour of maintaining the status quo;and, whether there is any ground for this assertion?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN) (St. George's, Hanover Square)I am unable to answer the Question with regard to the proceedings of the Royal Commission. I have already stated in the House that Royal Commissions act entirely on their own responsibility, and that the Government do not interfere with the discharge of their duties. But the hon. Member will observe that fresh appointments have recently been made to the Commission; and I have no reason to believe myself that the statement made in the newspaper referred to is correct.