§ MR. MONTAGU (Tower Hamlets, Whitechapel)asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether he can state the quantity of 5 and 10 centime pieces received by the post offices up to the end of May; and, whether he intends to make any further provision for the withdrawal from circulation of French and Italian copper coins?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN) (St. George's, Hanover Square)The total sum of about £23,000 will have been paid by the Mint to the Postmaster General for foreign bronze coin withdrawn from circulation by the Post Office in the United Kingdom to the end of last month. The weight of the coin withdrawn is rather more than 55 tons. By far the greater part of the coin has been withdrawn from circulation in London and the seaport towns in the South and South-East of England. There has been no special demand for British bronze coin, either in the Metropolitan district or the Provinces, in consequence of the withdrawal of foreign coin. It is the opinion of the postmasters that the withdrawal is practically complete, and that during the six weeks allowed for it, from April 20 till May 31, there has been ample time for the public to exchange the amounts which it held. There would not appear to be any necessity, therefore, now that public attention has been called to the matter, to make any further provision for the withdrawal of foreign coin; but notices will be circulated by means of the Post Office and Customs, at seaports, warning the public that the coin is not legal tender in 1722 the United Kingdom, and that its importation is prohibited.