§ Sir FREDERICK BANBURY (City of London)I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the banks have great difficulties in obtaining a sufficient supply of copper coins from the Mint; and whether he will take steps to ensure a larger supply in the future.
§ MR. ASQUITHThe stock of bronze-coin held on the 1st August last was twice as large as that so held in 1904, and three times the amount of that held in 1905, but it has proved insufficient to 401 meet the abnormally large demands which began early in October. Steps were taken some weeks ago to increase the output of the Mint by placing orders for 120 tons of bronze blanks with outside firms. Delivery of these has been going on continuously, and the press room in the operative department is working overtime to accelerate issue to the public. It is hoped that within a fortnight the unsatisfied demands in London will have been met.