§ MR. MONTAGU (Tower Hamlets, Whitechapel)asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether his attention has been called to a paragraph in The Standard of the 8th March, which contains the following statement with regard to the Gold and Silver Commission:—
The Commissioners will probably hold only two or three further meetings.Whether he is aware that the Commissioners have only recently entered into an inquiry as to bi-metallism, which was the main object of their appointment; and, whether, considering the important character of the subject, he can inform the House if the Commissioners will close their inquiry without calling upon well-known authorities to give evidence as to the advisability of promoting an international agreement for the introduction of bi-metallism?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN) (St. George's, Hanover Square)My attention has not been drawn to the paragraph in question. My impression is that there is no foundation for such a statement. As the hon. Member is aware, the Commissioners act entirely on their own responsibility, and the Government do not interfere with the discharge of their duties. I should think that the Commission will not break up without dealing with all the important questions that were referred to it.