HC Deb 11 March 1890 vol 342 cc496-7
MR. HOYLE (Lancashire, S.E., Heywood)

I wish to ask the First Lord of the Treasury if he is aware that there is a widespread and increasing public opinion in favour of the Motion in my name which stands as the first on the Paper to-day. There have been a large number of petitions presented in favour of it, and I wish to know from the right hon. Gentleman if he does not think it right to meet that public opinion which has found expression in public meetings, and by the action of Chambers of Commerce, by giving an early day for the discussion of the question; whether the evils which have resulted from the divergence in the relative volume of silver and gold following the monetary changes which took place in 1873 cannot best be dealt with by a conference to consider whether a Bi-metallie system cannot be established by International agreement in the interest of all the nations concerned?

SIR W. HOULDSWORTH (Manchester, N.W.)

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some 70 or 80 petitions have already been presented to the House in favour of this Resolution, and that there is a widespread desire among the commercial and agricultural interests in favour of the discussion of the subject?

* THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. H. SMITH,) Strand, Westminster

I have not followed the petitions which have been presented to the House, but I have no doubt that a great many petitions have been received. But I am aware that there is an organisation which affords facilities to hon. Members and others interested in the question for representing their views to the House. In answer to the question of the hon. Member opposite I trust, seeing that the Session is still young, that he will avail himself of the opportunities which will be afforded to him by the Ballot for securing a, day for the consideration of the subject. Unfortunately I am not in a position to afford it any portion of the small amount of time devoted to the business of the Government. I am sure that if I were to do so I should only accumulate on myself claims that it would be utterly impossible for me or the House to entertain. I do not think that the cause which the lion. Gentleman advocates will suffer from the slight delay which is now imperatively imposed.