§ MR. R. H. PAGETasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, If he will be good enough to explain to the House the reasons for the great variations in "loss in coining" for gold and silver respectively, as set forth under the head of "Expenses" in the Coinage Return, No. 206, lately presented by him to the House; and, further, if he will state the special reasons for the unusually heavy expenditure for the year 1882, under the two heads of "Salaries and Expenses," and "Expenses incurred by other Departments?"
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. CHILDERS)In reply to the hon. Member's first Question, I have to say that the exact loss on any coinage can only be ascertained at the conclusion of the coinage, when the accounts are finally adjusted. In some of the years to which the Return refers large coinages of gold and silver were completed, and the whole balance of loss was brought to account, while in other years sums on account only were paid. As to the second Question, the hon. Member will probably recollect that in 1882 the Mint buildings and machinery were re-organized at a heavy cost, which formed part of the "expenses" of that year.