§ MR. GOSCHEN (Edinburgh, S.)asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether, in view of the deep and increasing interest shown in various parts of the Country in the silver question, he will consider the expediency of separating this urgent subject from the other matters referred to the Royal Commission on the Depression of Trade, and of appointing a separate Commission to inquire into the position of silver, the condition of the currency, and the various plans of utilising silver to a greater extent for currency purposes?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Sir WILLIAM HARCOURT) (Derby)I have communicated with the Chairman of the Royal Commission on the Depression of Trade, and I learn from him that the Commission has undertaken and already begun to inquire into this question. In these circumstances, Her Majesty's Government do not feel disposed to interpose in this matter.
§ LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILL (Paddington, S.)asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his attention had been drawn to a letter sent from the India Office to the Treasury in January with regard to the fall in the value of silver; and, whether he could lay that letter on the Table of the House?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTI cannot say until a decision has been taken on that matter, which has not yet been done.