§ SIR JERVOISE JERVOISEsaid, he would beg to ask the Secretary of State 1061 for the Home Department, When the Notice will be circulated, which, on the 9th of January last, it was stated would probably be shortly issued in regard to Treasure-Trove, giving the public full information on the subject; and whether it is intended to enforce the claim of the Crown to ancient Coins, Gold or Silver Ornaments, and objects of Antiquity found in England and Wales, as part of the Royal Revenue?
SIR GEORGE LEWISsaid, that Treasure-Trove, as the House was aware, was one of the rights of the Crown. What the Treasury had done was, not to enforce any invidious claim with regard to this right of the Crown; but they had made this communication, which had been sent out from the Home Office, the object of which was to prevent any coins that might be found being melted without the knowledge of the public authorities. The rule laid down by the Treasury was that they would pay an equivalent value in bullion for such coins, and that if they should be found to be of any antiquarian interest they should be deposited in the British Museum or any other place of proper deposit. It seemed that the Circular was liable to some objection, and had, therefore, been withdrawn, in order that an amended one might be issued.