§ SIR JAMES M'GAREL-HOGGasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether his attention has been called to the condition of the gold currency; and, whether it is proposed to take steps to withdraw from circulation worn coins which are below the current weight?
MR. GLADSTONEMy attention, Sir, has been called to the condition of the gold currency, and I am aware that it is unsatisfactory. But my hon. Friend will know that the question is a very serious one, and that it entails consequences which might not appear at first sight to belong to it. It entails a consideration of the whole question as to the sufficiency or insufficiency of the premises of the present Mint, and the amount of work which the Mint can 1625 carry on; and, further, whether it is practicable or desirable to delegate to private persons the conduct of any portion of our currency—for, without that, the gold coinage could not be renewed, as I am informed, at the present time. If that delegation could not take place, there then comes up the question of the removal of the site of the Mint. Under these circumstances, I think my hon. Friend will not regard me as unreasonable when I say that, while I feel the subject will require early attention, I do not think it will be possible to give it that consideration during the continuance of the present Session.