MR. J. B. SMITHsaid, seeing the right hon. Gentleman the Chancellor of the Ex- 596 chequer in his place, he wished to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it was the intention of the Government to carry out the system of decimal coinage, and whether they intended to issue the new copper coinage on the decimal basis?
§ The CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERI have to say, Sir, that there is no intention on the part of the Government to make any change with respect to the supply of the additional copper coinage both for this country and the colonies, which has become absolutely necessary. With respect to the general question of a decimal coinage, the Government are fully sensible of the great importance of it; and they likewise feel that the utmost attention is due to the arguments and opinions of those who have recommended the change; but the Government are also of opinion that the matter is one of great importance, and of great delicacy as well as importance, and that the altering of the value of those particular coins, which are, in point of fact, the measure of value and the basis of the whole idea of value to the mass of the population, is a very serious matter indeed, and one which ought not to be undertaken on any mere abstract opinions and considerations without fully ascertaining that the ground under our feet is secure. The course that will be taken by the Government is this: An hon. Member has already moved for the appointment of a Select Committee to inquire into the subject, and the Motion will receive the support of the Government, for it will lead to such an elucidation of the matter as will enable them and the House to form a conclusive judgment on the subject.