HC Deb 29 March 1898 vol 55 c1230
MR. A. STRAUSS (Cornwall, Camborne)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India the face value of the copper coins coined in India since the closing of the mints to silver, and the quantity of copper used for that purpose?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Lord G. HAMILTON,) Middlesex, Ealing

The face value of the copper coins of the Indian Government coined at the Indian mints during the four years from 1893–94 to 1896–97 inclusive was Rs. 46. 46. 333; the value of the copper coins which were coined for other Governments was Rs. 4. 39. 336. The amount of copper used in the manufacture of coins for the Indian Government during the period was, approximately (allowing for waste), 6,200,000 lbs. It is not possible from the information that is available to show what proportion of the copper coinage for 1893–94 was struck previously to the closing of the mints. No information as to the coinage of the year 1897–98 is yet available.