§ MR. W. EWARTsaid, he would beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the new bronze coinage, to be substituted for the copper coinage, is likely to be issued?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERsaid, he should appeal to the indulgence of his hon. Friend, inasmuch as he had not had an opportunity of consulting with the Master of the Mint, owing to the great pressure of business. He could, however, tell him that the cause of delay was to be found in that most delicate part of the operation—namely, the execution of the design by the artist. He was most unwilling to interfere with the intention of accelerating the work, as the result might be the production of a design which possibly would not be considered satisfactory. He would, however, inquire into the subject in a few days. He was not aware of any other reason why they should not proceed immediately with the execution of the work.