§ MR. G. B. GREGORYasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether he is aware that on a large portion of the silver coinage the image and superscription is totally or partially obliterated; and, whether he is taking any steps for a new issue?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER, in reply, said, he was aware that our silver coinage had fallen into a very indifferent state, and the Government had been taking very energetic measures to replace it. They had been in communication on the subject with the Bank of England, and had induced it to take steps which it had not hitherto taken for calling in the half-crowns and fourpenny pieces; and he was happy to have the opportunity of making his acknowledgment to the Bank for having acceded to his request, and made no charge to the public for it. Similar communications were being made in the case of Scotland and Ireland.