DR. CAMERONasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether his attention has been called to the large proportion 1539 of French copper money at present current in this country, and to the statement recently made by a correspondent of the "Times" that the copper money of the Latin Convention is being systematically imported for the sake of the profit which can be made by substituting it for English pence and halfpence; and, whether no steps can be taken to prevent the copper currency of this country being further debased by the intermixture of these foreign coins?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERIn reply to the Question of the hon. Member, I have to state that my attention has on more than one occasion been called to the subject referred to, and I have also seen the statement mentioned in the Question. Of course, it is a matter for the public whether they take these coins. They are not, however, a legal tender, and their circulation has so far been discouraged by the Government that directions have been issued that they should not be received at the Post Office, or in any of the Government Departments. Beyond giving such orders, the Government have no power in the matter, it being one which the public must deal with themselves.