§ MR. W. BECKETT (Notts, Bassellaw)asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, If he is aware that urgent requests are being made of bankers in all parts of the country for supplies of the new coinage, especially the smaller denominations, for distribution on the 21st instant; and, whether, in view of such demand, it will be possible for supplies to be in the hands of bankers at latest by the 20th instant, so that the provincial public may be able to obtain the new coinage on the following day?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN) (St. George's, Hanover Square)In reply to the hon. Gentleman, I have to say that the Mint is working up to its full power already. The Bank of England will make arrangements, in proportion to the supply it may receive from the Mint, to distribute the new coin to country bankers through their London agents before the close of next week, on the understanding that bankers are not to issue such coin to the public before the 20th instant. Similar arrangements have already been made for Ireland.