§ Considered in Committee.
§ (In the Committee)
§ * MR. S. MONTAGU (Tower Hamlets, Whitechapel)I hope the Government will accept the new clause which stands in my name. I am not at all opposed to the Bill as far as it goes, but I think it would be wise to insert this clause. The Government are proposing to assume the responsibility for the wear and tear of the gold coinage, and they have assumed it not only by introducing this Bill, but also by declarations of the previous Chancellor of the Exchequer. If the right hon. Gentleman will agree to consider this matter, and bring it up on Report, I will not press it further.
New Clause (Defacing gold coin under weight not to be obligatory,)—(Mr. Montagu,)—brought up, and read the first time.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Clause be read a second time."
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN, St. George's, Hanover Square)I am not prepared to accept this clause. It would open up a very large question, and it must be remembered that I introduced this Bill purely as an experimental measure; 1217 therefore, I am not willing to go further than I have already gone. I hope the hon. Gentleman will not delay the progress of a Bill, the passing of which is so much desired by the commercial classes in this country.
§ It being Midnight, the Chairman left the Chair to make his Report to the House.
§ Committee report Progress; to sit again to-morrow.