§ Mr. Grenfellmoved, "That there be laid before the House a copy of the Memorial of certain manufacturers, dated the 4th of March last, and addressed to the lords of the Treasury, on the subject of the present state of our Copper Currency."
§ Mr. Whitbreadstated, that, in consequence of the refusal to take Tower halfpence in payment, which was so general throughout the country, he had heard that great distress was felt in the manufacturing districts. The shopkeepers would not take these halfpence; and, in one town, he was informed, persons who collected the poor rates had also refused them, by which very great inconvenience was produced. He was aware, that the right hon. gentleman (Mr. Vansittart) had done every thing in his power to check the evil, and a proclamation had been issued on the subject. He (Mr. Whitbread) was, how-ever, of opinion, that much good would result if a fresh proclamation were published.
The Chancellor of the Exchequersaid, he could add nothing to what he had already stated on this subject. He had publicly declared, that the Tower halfpence were a legal tender, and that fact was still farther made known by proclamation. He was not aware, that any of the officers of government had refused to take them; if they had done so, their conduct was improper. Persons possessing halfpence of this description, would receive their full nominal value at the Mint.
§ Mr. Whitbreaddid not mean to throw any imputation on the course pursued by the right hon. gentleman. All he intended to say was, that a fresh proclamation might be of use. Instances, he believed, 411 had occurred, in which persons, having nothing but these halfpence with which to purchase necessaries for their families, were, in consequence of their not being taken, obliged to apply for assistance to the parish.
§ Mr. Grenfellsaid, it was not generally known, but ought to be perfectly understood throughout the country, that the full nominal value was given, at the Mint, in Bank notes, for Tower halfpence.
§ The motion was then agreed to, and the Memorial ordered to be printed.
§ Mr. Grenfellthen gave notice, that, probably soon after the recess, but certainly before the period arrived when the right hon. gentleman (Mr. Vansittart) should make his arrangements for a new loan for the service of the country, he would call the attention of the House to the 26th of the King, which gave authority to the commissioners for the management of the sinking fund, to apply the whole or any part of that fund in furtherance of any loan or loans.