§ SIR JOHN LUBBOCK (London University)asked MR. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether, having reference to the present unsatisfactory condition of the gold currency, Her Majesty's Government propose to take any steps in the matter?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Lord RANDOLPH CHURCHILL) (Paddington, S.)Of course the matter has been under my consideration, but it is a very large and very difficult subject. I have not been long enough at the Exche- 1725 quer as yet to be able to give the hon. Baronet a definite answer. I may, however, allow myself to say this much, that if anything is to be done to rehabilitate the gold coinage of the country it must be done at the cost of the State. If that be so, the sums required, although spread over a series of years, will be considerable, and it will be impossible for me finally to decide whether I shall submit a proposal to the House of Commons until I am more fully in possession of what the balance of Revenue and Expenditure for next year is likely to be.