HC Deb 15 May 1811 vol 20 c173

"That, during the wars carried on by king William 3, the exchanges did fall below the limit fixed by the expense of transmitting specie, and the price of gold bullion did rise very considerably, viz. during the debased state of the silver coin of the realm; but, immediately after the reformation of the coin, the market price of gold fell to the Mint price, and the exchanges rose nearly to par, although the circumstances of the war and the foreign expenditure continued unaltered.

"That, between the reformation of the coin in the reign of king William, and the 4th year of the reign of king George the 1st, the guinea passed by law for 22s.; during which period, therefore, the Mint price of gold was 4l. 1s. 7d.

"That, during the seven years war, and until the year 1774, the gold coin of the realm was in a state of debasement.

"That the price of standard gold in bars never exceeded the Mint price, in any one year of the American war.

"That the exchange with Hamburgh, which had been rather unfavourable to this country, during part of the year 1795, ceased to be so in March 1796, became more favourable in the month of October, and continued favourable till the 26th of February 1797, when the restriction took place, and for some time afterwards.

"That there was no rise in the price of standard gold in bars immediately prior to the 26th of February 1797, nor for a considerable number of years before.

"That the slate of the exchanges, and of the price of bullion, for two years previous to the peace of Amiens, was subsequent to the said restriction.