§ MR. W. BECKETT (Notts, Bassetlaw)asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, If he is aware that there is still great difficulty in procuring silver of the new coinage from the Bank of England, that Body saying they cannot tell when they shall be able to supply it; and, if he knows the cause of this difficulty?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN) (St. George's, Hanover Square)The Bank of England report that they have satisfied all reasonable demands for the new silver coinage, and are preparing to meet the usual extra Christmas demand. If applied to by a banker for a very large sum all in coins of the new designs, the Bank might decline, not considering themselves authorized to meet a demand which, if granted, would involve a large increase of coinage beyond the necessities of the country. There is no lack of silver coin to meet all ordinary demands.
§ MR. W. BECKETTasked, whether the right hon. Gentleman was aware that difficulty had existed ever since the new coinage was issued all through the present year?
§ MR. GOSCHENI am most anxious that every reasonable demand for silver should be satisfied; but if every demand for new coins were acceded to, it would mean the withdrawal from circulation of all old coins, and that would, involve an expenditure that I do not think ought to be incurred so long as the old silver is doing its duty.